A ray of sunshine through the storm

TIFFIN — As the family of Ava McCourt continues to mourn her sudden death, relatives and community members are stepping in to offer support and ease the burden of their loss. Ava, a young girl remembered for her bright spirit and love of animals, died in an accidental drowning on Saturday, June 28, at the swimming pool at Clinton Mobile Home Resort on State Route 101. "My little niece was the ray of sunshine sneaking through a thunderstorm," said Jaimee Ann Sergent, Ava's aunt. Sergent described Ava as someone who could always make others laugh and who cherished time spent watching YouTube and enjoying "tablet time." Ava had a deep affection for animals and was already developing strong convictions about them. Sergent said Ava didn't want to eat animals because it meant they had to be killed, calling her a "sprouting vegan." Instead, she had a passion for cheese — in all forms. "If it had cheese, resembled cheese or simply was cheese she could spot it from a mile away," Sergent said. Ava even had a mac and cheese blanket. She was also known for her academic enthusiasm, always striving for "green days" at school to earn a summer park pass. Sergent said Ava was a "techie" kid who loved gadgets and learning. Ava had many siblings, both biological and "bonus" ones, and her father and stepmother worked hard to nurture her joyful personality. She was deeply loved by her mother and many others, Sergent said. On the day of the accident, Ava had been swimming with her stepmother and others when she disappeared from view. She was later found near the bottom of the pool. Despite the immediate efforts of an off-duty EMT who began CPR, and the response from EMS, fire and police personnel, as well as emergency room staff at Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital, Ava could not be revived. "God was there to hold her hand and take her home," Sergent said. "We are all here for a purpose; Ava Rose McCourt had fulfilled her destiny. Now she's dancing with the Lord in the stars." In the wake of the tragedy, Sergent launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support Ava's family as they take time off work to grieve. "My brother and his wife are understandably taking time off work to handle and heal from this horrible tragedy," she said. Funds raised will go toward a headstone for Ava and to help the family during this difficult time. The fundraiser's goal is $5,000. As of publication, $1,445 had been raised. The GoFundMe can be found at https://gofund.me/4b05e3c9