The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman who died during the 53rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade as Joan Pannuti Pottinger, 50, of Louisville.
Pottinger died on March 14 after a float struck her while she participated in the parade, according to a news release from Louisville Metro Police.
LMPD officers responded to a report of a person struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive just before 4 p.m. on March 14, spokesperson Aaron Ellis said. A preliminary investigation indicates Pottinger was walking alongside one of the floats when her foot became caught, causing her to fall and become pinned by the vehicle. She was transported to UofL Hospital, where she later died.
LMPD’s Traffic Unit is leading the investigation.
In a March 16 Facebook post, Louisville Archbishop Shelton Fabre said Pottinger was a parent at St. Agnes Catholic School and a parishioner at St. Agnes Church.
“I want to express my condolences to her husband and her children as they deal with this profound loss,” he said. “Furthermore, I want to extend my sympathy to the St. Agnes community who knew and loved Joan. Please know we are grieving with you.”
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, which hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, asked residents to respect the family’s privacy and shared a link to the family’s GoFundMe page in a Facebook post.
“We ask all who support the St. Patrick’s Parade to please donate now and for continued prayers in support of the family,” the group posted.
Pottinger also worked locally with Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization that pairs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with peer mentors. In a March 16 statement to The Courier Journal, Best Buddies International Vice President of Programs Emily Hunt said she worked closely with Pottinger, who had a “deeply personal” passion for her work.
“Inspired by her own family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Joan brought kindness and authenticity to everything she did. She raised awareness and critical funds for the mission while touching everyone she met with her warm smile and generous spirit,” Hunt said. “Joan was a strong leader, a fun and caring colleague, and someone whose wit and ‘fun facts’ always brightened our team meetings. She will be deeply missed by all of us who had the honor of working alongside her.”
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