Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources spokeswoman Paige Pearson said in a statement that two girls fell from a tube being pulled behind a boat on the James River on Saturday. As the boat operator returned to pull them out of the water, the boat hit a wave causing it to push over a 17-year-old victim, hitting her with the propeller. “It was a very happy, fun last day on earth for her,” Budzinski’s mother, Monica, who says she was with her daughter on the boat, said at a vigil at Julia’s high school in Virginia on Sunday night. “Unfortunately obviously… but I was happy, I was laughing, I was having a good time, and that’s how I’ll remember her, that’s how everyone should remember her. She loved life, she loved being outside, sports, everything. Story continues below ad Related videos Jays Care Foundation 4:18 campaign aims to get more kids on the diamond Previous video Next video “It will live on in all of you guys.” Trending Stories
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Pearson said foul play is not suspected. They were wearing life jackets and alcohol was not a factor. Mark Budzinski left the Blue Jays in the third game of the team’s doubleheader against the Rays on Saturday after learning of his daughter’s death. The Blue Jays released a statement saying Budzinski will take some time away from the team to grieve with his family. There was a minute’s silence for Julia before Sunday’s series finale. “My heart breaks for Budd,” Toronto coach Charlie Montoyo said after Sunday’s game. “There are good and great men. He is a great man. He is a special kind of person. His family is big. All I can share about what happened is that he left a note for the team. He did this while going through a tragedy and that tells you everything about him.” Story continues below ad This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 4, 2022. © 2022 The Canadian Press
