It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Darius “Dee” Hartshorne, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, teammate, and friend. Dee passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 30, 2025, at just 17 years old, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous twelve-day battle to recover from a severe spinal injury.

Born on October 25, 2008, to his Parents Pamela Hartshorne and Andrew Pruden, Dee was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him. He is survived by his siblings Tyler, Melissa, Alexis, Roxanna, and Diana, and his kinship siblings Jesse, Lorenzo, and Mateo. He will be deeply missed by his Kinship Parents Stephanie and Jesse, grandmother Diane Hartshorne, Mother Pamela Hartshorne, and Step-Father Tanner Sutherland, Uncle Ryan (Ashley) and his 3 cousins, along with countless family members, teammates, coaches, and friends who loved him dearly.

Dee’s greatest passion was football. The day he joined the Sisler Spartans high school football team was a defining moment in his life. With unwavering dedication, he transformed from a complete beginner to team captain in his senior year, proudly playing on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as special teams. Watching his growth and leadership was an inspiration to all who knew him. One of his proudest moments was having his younger brother Tyler join the team as a Grade 9 freshman, sharing the game that meant so much to him.

Beyond football, Dee cherished time spent with his family on camping trips across Manitoba and Ontario. He loved the peace of nature, whether he was fishing with his uncle, kayaking with his aunt, or swimming and hiking with his siblings. Those moments brought out his brightest smile and deepest joy.

Dee will be remembered for his gentle soul, his infectious laugh, and his endless capacity to love and support others. He was someone everyone could count on, a loyal friend, a compassionate leader, and a pillar of strength both on and off the field. Though his journey was not always easy, Dee met life with resilience, warmth, and a growing confidence in who he was and who he was becoming.

He planted strong roots in his community, giving back through volunteer work at his elementary school, helping at local events, and mentoring young athletes through the North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club. He even completed a young workers program and enjoyed spending his summers and weekends working, learning, and took pride in earning his very own paycheck. His impact reached far beyond his years, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the staff at the HSC Children’s Hospital PICU for their incredible care, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Their tireless efforts to help Dee in every possible way, and the comfort and support they provided to the family throughout his fight, will never be forgotten.

We are also profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our community, as well as from people across the province of Manitoba. Your prayers, messages, and acts of kindness have brought us strength and reminded us how deeply Dee was loved.

Dee’s presence will be missed beyond measure, but his memory and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.

Forever in our hearts #57

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Peters Church - Petrus Hall (2624 Inkster Blvd.) Friday, November 14, 2025 at 1:00P.M., followed by a reception for guests and private interment for immediate family.