Aurora Keats, a 14-year-old Airials Gymnastics Club member in Gander, tragically passed away on March 10, 2025, following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident.
The incident occurred on the Newfoundland T’Railway, where Aurora was involved in a crash alongside another youth under 16.
According to the RCMP, the vehicle lost control and veered off the trail, resulting in Aurora’s death at the scene.
The second youth sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander for treatment. Meanwhile, the Gander RCMP is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Aurora, born on May 27, 2010, is survived by her parents, Heather Keats and Wes Keats, her younger brother Pearson, and her grandparents Sandra, Wade, and Vonne.
Her parents, Heather and Wes, have been married for almost over a decade. They tied the knot in September 2014.
Her mother, Heather Keats, 44, has been a business manager at Adventure Sales & Service for almost 7 years, from July 2008 until now.
Adventure Sales & Service, where Heather is employed, shared their condolences on Facebook, expressing their heartfelt sympathy to the Keats family, writing,
Our work family at Adventure Sales and Service are devastated with the passing of Aurora Keats, daughter of Heather. Aurora was a beautiful young woman, with a bright life ahead of her. This loss is unimaginable. We are offering our most sincere condolences and support throughout this heartbreaking time.
Before working at Adventure Sales & Service, Heather worked in financial services at BMO Financial Group for 14 years, from August 2004 until July 2018.
Regarding her educational attributes, Heather is a 2001 graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland in Criminology.
Heather’s father, Wes Keats, has been the president at Planet X Exploration Services since August 2020.
Simulaneously, he has worked as a senior field manager at Klondike Gold Corp for over 11 years from March 2014 until now.
In addition to her parents, brother, and grandparents, Aurora left behind her aunt Stephanie (Brian), cousins Bailee, Tayler, and Dustin, and extended family members.
Just like the beautiful Northern Lights inspired her name, Aurora brought light to her parents’ life and everyone who knew her.
A talented athlete, Aurora excelled in gymnastics, volleyball, and softball and competed in numerous tournaments. She was also a natural leader and volunteer at the Airials Gymnastics Club.
She was a student at St. Paul’s Intermediate School.
Her gymnastics coach Kerry LeGrow Wheaton remembered her as,
She was passionate… never said she couldn’t do something … a friend to all… easy going and full of spunk!
The Airials Gymnastics Club and organizations like the Gander Minor Softball Association and the Glovertown Hurricanes Gymnastics Club have expressed their sorrow via social media posts.
Aurora’s family will receive friends at Stacey’s Funeral Home in Gander on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Evangel Pentecostal Community Church, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery.
