'Special girl' killed in horse fall

Published Monday, 20 August 2012
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The family of a schoolgirl who died in a horse riding accident have described her as a special girl who was committed to the sport she loved.

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Hannah Wiley, who came from the village of Artigarvan in Co Tyrone, loved horses and was a talented young rider.

But the 13-year-old was tragically killed on Friday after her horse fell during a show jumping event at Eglinton Equestrian Club in Co Londonderry.

Hannah's father Edmund was with her at the time and had to make the "terrible call" home to the family, as Reverend Mark Russell explained.

"Her father had gone down with her, and her mother was at home and with her brother preparing for the weekend trip," he told UTV.

They talked lovingly about such a special girl, committed to what she did, listening to what others were saying to her so she could improve on what she did, and just a loving daughter who would help out in whatever way she could.

Reverend Mark Russell

"This was something they'd planned to do. They were then as a family going away for the weekend. And so she went as she had done many times before without incident.

"But sadly on Friday night due to a set of circumstances and a tragic accident she passed away. And so, sadly, he then had to make that phone call home saying 'you need to come quick.' A terrible call for him to make and for his wife to hear."

The Eglinton venue is well known in showjumping circles in Ireland. It has staged high-profile events and has a good safety record.

It is understood those associated with the centre are devastated by the incident.

Initially the Health and Safety Executive was called into investigate the circumstances of Hannah's death, but the lead in that investigation is now being taken by Derry City Council.

A statement from the council on Monday said: "As a statutory Health and Safety enforcement body, DCC Environmental Health Officers are currently working with relevant organizations to determine the circumstances of this incident.

"Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation they cannot provide any further comment at this stage."

Hannah was a pupil at Strabane Academy, and she has been described as a gifted student who loved sport and captained her school hockey team.

As her family tries to come to terms with the tragedy, preparations are now being made for the schoolgirl's funeral on Wednesday.

© UTV News
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3 Comments
chelsie/beth in doneman wrote (269 days ago):
Sad for the wiley family TO LOSS SUCH A BRILLIANT SPECIAL GIRL R.I.P HANNAH XXXX :( <3 Our thoughts are with u and forever love yous xxxx
roy in belfast wrote (274 days ago):
what a sad loss.
Amie in Derry wrote (274 days ago):
What a terrible and sad accident... My sympathys are with her family at this terrible time :( R.I.P Hannah x <3
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