Jockey, 24, killed in horror automobile crash as horse racing mourns ‘devastating’ loss
Young jockey Bronte Simpson has been killed in a horror car crash after swerving off the road and hitting a tree.
New South Wales (NSW) Police department confirmed the Australian died in a single car accident on Monday night, December 22, when her SUV veered off the road and hit a tree on the Castlereagh Highway, 80km outside the city of Dubbo. NSW Police said a member of the public called the emergency services after spotting her crashed car.
In a statement, the force said: “A woman died when her SUV left the highway and hit a tree about 80km north-west of Dubbo overnight. Emergency services were called to the Castlereagh Highway after a passing motorist saw the crashed vehicle. Passers-by assisted the driver; however, the woman, believed to be aged in her 20s, died at the scene.”
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NSW Jockeys’ Association boss Tony Crisafi said the Australian racing community was devastated and paid a touching tribute to the young star. He said: “We’ve lost a member of our family in this devastating and tragic event.
“We have been left devastated by the news. On behalf of the association and our fellow jockeys we extend our heartfelt condolences to Bronte’s family.
“In our ranks we have a lot of young female riders, many of whom Bronte was very close with and it has hit them the hardest. The association will wrap its arms around them and make sure we put the right support around them to deal with this tragic event.”
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Simpson had ridden 14 winners, seven under her master Jane Clement, to whom she was said to be very close.
She previously endured serious facial injuries after being kicked by a horse when working at a breaking-in centre, Racenet reports.
Simpson suffered a broken jaw, but was determined not to let it cut short her fledgling career. Speaking at the time, she said: “There was no way I was going to quit. I love the industry and always wanted to become a jockey.”
Tributes poured in from fans after her tragic loss, with one writing on social media: “Well loved in the community, living her dream and on her way to the top: forever missed.” Another said: “You will be deeply missed Bronte Simpson.”
