Community pays tribute to young boy killed in farm accident

After nine-year-old Levi Mazer was killed in a tragic accident on a family farm in Ogema last weekend, the community – located west of Weyburn – is coming together to show support to the family.

“They’ve been raising flags, making signs and posters for the family. Our Ogema agencies in town covered their sign out front with a poster for Levi as well,” said Ticia Forseth, a close family friend who spoke with permission of the family.

People will be wearing blue and green – his favourite colours – in honour of Levi on Monday, Forseth added.

Forseth said the loss has become a stark reminder about how dangerous farming can be, and how important safety precautions are.

“It was just a reminder to speak to our kids about farm safety,” Forseth said. “We’ve definitely had the conversation with our kids about farm safety, being aware of your surroundings at all times. Making sure you know where your mom and dad are is huge.”

According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture, between 1990 and 2019 there have been 506 farm fatalities in the province, including 11 2019 alone.

Forseth said she comes from a century-old family farm, and it can be easy to forget about safety procedures.

“It becomes second nature,” she said. “You just get comfortable, and you don’t always think about your surroundings as much as you should … It’s just a huge reminder that we have to be aware at all times, no matter how long you’ve been doing it.”

Forseth said the community will hold a fireworks show next week, as Levi always loved fireworks and wanted to be the one to set them off when he grew up.