Resaca Family Mourns the Tragic Loss of 9-Year-Old Emily Colleen Buddin in Horse Accident – GoFundMe

A family in Resaca, Georgia, is grieving the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, 9-year-old Emily Colleen Buddin, who tragically passed away following a horse accident last Thursday. The accident occurred on July 25, 2024, and Emily was rushed to AdventHealth Gordon in Calhoun, Georgia, where she sadly died.

Emily was born on October 31, 2014, in Canton, Georgia. She was a student at Tolbert Elementary School in Resaca, where she was set to enter the fourth grade at the start of the current school year. Known for her pure heart and boundless love for Jesus, her family, friends, and especially animals, Emily had a particular passion for horses that inspired her entire town.

Described as courageous, independent, sensitive, sympathetic, strong-willed, headstrong, and stunningly beautiful, Emily’s energy could brighten even the darkest room. She shared her faith through the Good News Club at school and aspired to be the best barrel racer she could be. Emily’s love for her siblings was profound, and she nurtured them with great care and intention, regardless of their age. Her infectious laugh and lovely voice left an indelible mark on everyone she met, making her loss deeply felt by many.

Emily is survived by her parents, Rebecca Barnard Buddin (Tim Pharr) of Resaca, GA, and Brian Buddin (Gennie Astin) of Ranger, GA. She is also survived by her sisters, Harper Buddin of Resaca, GA, and Nora Astin of Ranger, GA; brothers, Gage Sanders, Conner Pharr, Sterling Pharr, and Carter Astin of Ranger, GA; grandparents, Chip and Kathleen Buddin of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Fred and Barbara Barnard of Jackson, MO; aunts and uncles, Kevin and Brittany Buddin of Norfolk, VA, Ashley and Stephen Teems of Dawsonville, GA, and C.J. and Kelli Brobst of Sterling, VA; as well as numerous cousins and other relatives.

A celebration of Emily Colleen Buddin’s life will be held on Thursday evening, August 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Resaca First Baptist Church, located at 3180 Battlefield Parkway NW, Resaca, Georgia 30735. Pastor Reverend Harold Blackstock will officiate the service. The family will receive friends at the church from 4:00 p.m. until the service begins. Emily’s close family members will serve as pallbearers, with honorary pallbearers including members of the Cherokee County Fire Department and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe account has been created to support Emily’s family during this difficult time. The loss of Emily Colleen Buddin has cast a shadow over the community, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.