Ciara Sullivan was killed after falling from her horse following a performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show – she was described as a ‘beautiful soul’ who died ‘doing what she loved’
A soldier who tragically died after falling from her horse following a performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, has been named. Ciara Sullivan, 24, was a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. She took a tumble around 7pm on Friday after exiting the arena.
Despite receiving immediate medical care, she sustained serious injuries and sadly died at the scene. Thames Valley Police say they are treating her death as unexplained but not suspicious. According to the Mail, Ciara’s father shared a picture of her on social media alongside a message, which read: “The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten.”
Her mother said: “She was doing what she loved” after a friend remembered her as a “beautiful soul.” Friend Eleanor Lucas Bell shared the original post, in which she praised her as the “very pinnacle of equestrianism”.
She spoke of Sullivan’s “incredible talent, horsemanship and dedication,” adding: “Today our sport lost one of its very best. The soldier who tragically lost her life at Royal Windsor Horse Show was someone known to us personally. She had ridden my boys, and I saw first hand the incredible talent, horsemanship and dedication she possessed.”
After the tragedy, the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” to have learned of the death of a soldier, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, adding Charles “will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences”.
The spokesperson said: “While His Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place, they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later.
“The King was greatly shocked and saddened to have learned subsequently of the Troop member’s death, and will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences.”
“The thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies of the whole Royal Family are with the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues at this time of grief.”
Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg stated: “We are appealing for anyone with information or material relating to the sad death of a military rider at Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday to please get in touch.
“Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and the wider community in the military and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time.
“At this stage, we have not found any suspicious circumstances.
“We are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers HPower to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.”
A spokesperson from the Army announced: “It is with deep regret that we announce a member of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery died on Friday May 15, following a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
“The family has been notified, and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
The Royal Windsor Horse Show was initially held in 1943 to help raise funds for the Second World War effort.
The debut show was graced by members of the royal family, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.
Queen Elizabeth II, a fervent fan of the equestrian event, entered many homebred horses and ponies in classes at the show, which is held annually on the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
The event holds the distinction of being the only show in the UK to host international competitions in show jumping, dressage, driving, and endurance.