The father of a 15-year-old Ontario boy who was killed when a 200-pound soccer net fell on him says he's honored a new provincial law is named after his son, but he'd give anything to get rid of the net and have his son back.
Garrett Mills of Napanee, Ontario, was hanging from the crossbar of an unsecured soccer net while playing at the park with his girlfriend and best friend on May 12, 2017, when the net collapsed on him, killing him.
The Garrett Legacy Bill, which sets out the safe use requirements for portable football goals used by the public, received Royal Assent last week.
Shortly before his death, Garrett suddenly asked his father what the inheritance was.
“After we explained it to him, he paused for a moment, really thought about it for a moment, and then he said, 'When I'm gone, I want to leave a legacy,'” said his father, Dave Mills.
“Four days later, he was gone.”
Ric Bresee, the Progressive Conservative member of the provincial legislature for Hastings-Lennox and Addington, who introduced the legislation as a private member's bill, said portable soccer goals have been responsible for more than 40 deaths in North America, mostly children.
Mills said it was a great honor for him to name this potentially life-saving law after his son.
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“Garrett may be embarrassed at first by all the attention he's getting, but to think that this may prevent a similar accident, prevent another child from being seriously hurt, prevent another family from being disfigured, as my wife aptly said not long ago, I find it great,” he said.
Mills has been on a long slog to get the legislation passed. This is his third attempt to get the bill passed.
Bracey said he was pleased the bill had support from all parties and that all parties worked together to get it passed before the Legislature extended its summer break.
“Obviously, football is a great sport,” he said. “We want to encourage people to get out and enjoy the fresh air no matter what sport they play, but we need to make sure people are safe in the process.”
Now, Sports Minister Neil Lumsden will draw up regulations to bring the law into effect. The ministry is working with sports organisations and manufacturers.
“I look forward to bringing about change that will impact thousands of young people without them even knowing it,” he said.
“Its power will endure.”
Mills said that while he was relieved the law finally passed, he wanted people to remember Garrett for more than just his death.
“I know a lot of parents would probably say the same thing about their own kids, but he really is a standout,” he said.
“Since the day he was born, we have never had an argument with him, not even once. We have never disciplined him. He is a peacemaker. He wants to make others happy. Every day, it seems like his mission to make others laugh.”
He never lost his temper and was loving to everyone, Mills said.
“I thought to myself, if this 15-year-old kid can live such a great life … surely I can emulate him and live a life like this. I'm still trying. I'm still trying to live a life more like Garrett's,” he said.
“I strive every day to be part of Garrett’s legacy and the legacy he left behind.”
© 2024 The Canadian Press
