Support Katie Loewen's Recovery Journey

Please join us in supporting Katie Loewen and her partner Mal as they navigate Katie’s recovery from a tragic accident that seriously injured Katie and took the life of her dear friend Ashli Harter (Gilmour). This gofundme is raising funds for Katie’s recovery and living expenses to support them as they navigate this difficult time.

The greater Buffalo circus community and The Bird’s Nest join in supporting Katie and celebrating Ashli’s life. Please give if you are able, and share the love.

Katie is a local artist and owns and operates K &M Home Repairs with her partner Mal. She has been a beloved teacher, performer, and student in the circus for the last decade. Her artistic mind, wit, and capability has fixed and beautified the homes and lives of countless people across WNY. Her fierce love and protection of her friends and community inspires many to do good and stand proud.

Katie and Ashli have been friends since high school. Circus rekindled their friendship, and they shared many stages and duo performances. As fabric instructors at the Bird’s Nest, they welcomed many students into the folds of hammock and silks and made sure everyone felt seen, heard, welcomed, and encouraged in their aerial journeys. They taught parallel to each other every Thursday for the past four years and engineered and ran showcases together alongside fellow instructor and co-owner Kim Armella.

UPDATES ON KATIE’S RECOVERY

August 9th, 2025

“I am Katie Loewen’s dad and of course I am also The Bird's Nest fan, and I can speak on behalf of Mal and all of Katie’s family that we are shattered by Thursday’s accident, and our hearts go out to Ashli’s family and the amazing Bird Nest community. Katie suffered severe head, neck and leg injuries, and successfully got through repair of a femur fracture yesterday at ECMC. She has more testing ahead, but I am hopeful that she will have a full recovery. She is conscious, but I would say that she has not fully processed what has happened, and the loving support of her community would be greatly appreciated.” – Gregory Loewen

This tragedy has sent a shockwave through the community and left many people hurting. If you would like to support our dear Jake Harter as he navigates the loss of his wife, please visit the Gofundme below.

Support for Jake Harter