from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Earlier this week, 21-year-old U.S. Trotting Association member Katelynn Shepard passed away unexpectedly.

A gofundme account to accept donations to assist the family with memorial and funeral expenses as well as to help care for her horses until arrangements are made can be found here.

Shepard, who turned 21 on July 2, was the owner of two harness racing horses and listed corrections officer for the Erie (OH) County Sheriff’s Office as her occupation on her Facebook page. She came from a harness racing family with her mother Tricia being a long-time owner and trainer. Many of the photos on her Facebook page also indicate that she enjoyed barrel racing.