Hernando County, Fla. – The Hernando County School system has lost an outstanding member of their staff in the death of Lara Dewees, a Social Studies teacher who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Dewees was participating in a horse-riding contest at an arena in Forest Hills, Mississippi, when she lost control of her horse’s reins and was thrown to the ground. She was rushed to a hospital after sustaining injuries to her head and several broken bones. A GoFundMe page was set up to cover her medical expenses, but she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries the following weekend.
According to the page, Lara was attempting “a really pretty barrel run” when her horse Ginny fell at the third barrel and her bridle reins flipped over her horse’s head. The excerpt explains that Ginny got to her feet and headed out of the arena at a fast pace. She still had no reins. Lara attempted to regain control of the reins, but couldn’t reach them. Ginny, who continued to pick up speed, “lost her footing, spun around and essentially pancaked, throwing Lara face first into the asphalt.”
The GoFundMe page reveals that Ginny was taken to a nearby veterinary clinic and “is doing well.”
Recently engaged and mother to an 18-month-old son, Dewees was known for her positive attitude and upbeat character. She decided to become a school teacher after battling cancer during her final weeks of college, choosing a career where she could make a difference. She had been working within the Hernando County district for the past 13 months, and had been cancer free four years.
A third generation horse aficionado and gifted barrel racer, known to be at the reins whenever possible, Dewees was given the title of “Miss Rodeo” in 2012. The rodeo lifestyle goes far in her family, as her mother, father, fiancé, and uncle are also successful riders. She never forgot to be thankful for the family that she has, as even if the road was hard, they were right there to support her. Dewees was also recognized for her beautiful singing voice by her hometown of Lacoochee, Florida.
Even in her passing, the message she relays is an uplifting one. According to her rodeoathletes.com profile:
“Whatever she does, and wherever she goes, she is confident in knowing that she is living her life to the fullest and chasing her dreams. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ ”
CORRECTION: Lara Dewees passed away February 28. The accident happened on February 20. Thank you Joe Potter for the correction.