The parents of famed horse trainer Pat Parelli were killed in a fiery car crash late Wednesday afternoon in Marion County as they were believed to be traveling to a birthday celebration for their 67-year-old son.
The crash involving two vehicles took place shortly after 4 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 27 and N.W. 84th Court. The Florida Highway Patrol investigated the incident and due to a recent policy change, the agency no longer releases the names of those involved in crashes. But the victims were identified by a variety of sources as 88-year-old Jack Parelli and his 86-year-old wife, Doris, who were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
The FHP report states that a sedan driven by an 88-year-old man stopped at the busy intersection and then failed to yield to a van driven by a 37-year-old Belleview man as it crossed the eastbound lanes of U.S. Hwy. 27 to make a left turn. The driver of the van, who was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital, attempted to stop before slamming into the left side of the sedan, the report says, adding that both vehicles then caught fire.
Condolences for the Parelli family poured in on Facebook on Thursday. Christi Rains said Pat Parelli, who coined the phrase “Natural Horsemanship,” abruptly ended a webinar he was giving when he received news of the tragedy. Pat Parelli’s training program, which is based on the study of horse behavior, is headquartered in Pagosa Springs, Colo., but he also has a facility in Reddick.
On Thursday, Pat Parelli posted a tribute to his parents on Facebook along with photos of them together.
“We reflect on their legacy, their energy, and the spirit that they contributed to the lives of their family,” he wrote. “My sister, myself, and the entire family appreciate your thoughts and prayers. We encourage you to take some undemanding time today to cherish those you love and appreciate in your life.”
A post from the Quiles Ranch in Palmero, Calif., said Pat Parelli’s love for his parents was quite obvious and they raised a “fantastic” son.
“Their legacy lives on through you,” the post said. “May God soothe your hearts.”
Joyce Wilson called the loss of both parents at once “heartbreaking.” She recalled flying on a plane several years ago along with Doris Parelli, who was sitting just a few seats away.
“It was fun listening to her talk about you,” she wrote to Pat Parelli. “So much love and pride in her voice.”
Jane Raplinger-Stein agreed.
“I know that your parents had to have been so proud of you and the way that you have changed the world,” she wrote. “God be with you and watch over you during this sad time.”
Genevieve Benoit, of VifArgent Horsemanship, recalled spending time with the Parelli family and seeing Jack at the family ranch playing with his favorite horses.
“I can’t begin to imagine the sorrow that Pat and his family are feeling now,” she wrote. “Godspeed Jack and Doris, you will be missed by many.”
Matylda Smith also her offered her condolences through a personal message to Pat Parelli and his son, Caton. She said she couldn’t imagine how they were feeling after learning of the tragedy.
“My husband lost his mom tragically on his birthday two years ago,” she wrote. “It adds an additional layer of pain when it happens on a special day.”
Smith also recalled spending time with Jack Parelli while going through a difficult time in her life.
“The kindness and sweetness he showed me helped me get through the difficult times,” she said. “I will always remember him with fondness in my heart.”