British Eventer Dies After Fall At Jersey Fresh International Competition
Philippa Humphreys, a British eventer that was living in Michigan sadly passed away on Saturday. She was riding her horse Rich N Famous on the cross country course when she sustained fatal injuries from a rotational fall at fence 16 (The Table). Rich N Famous was not injured in the accident.
The FEI has released the following statement
It is with deepest regret that we confirm that Philippa Humphreys (GBR) suffered a fatal accident today (14 May) while competing at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in Allentown, New Jersey (USA).
Philippa Humphreys, 33, and the 13-year-old gelding Rich N Famous, fell at fence 16 on the CCI3* course. The rider was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in nearby Hamilton, New Jersey, but sadly could not be saved. The horse was uninjured in the fall.
Philippa Humphreys lived in Rockford, Michigan, and had been competing at three-star level on the US circuit for the past two years with Rich N Famous. The combination finished fifth in their last outing at the CIC3* in Elkton, Maryland last month.
“All of us connected with the Jersey Fresh International are deeply saddened by today’s tragic news and we extend our condolences to Philippa’s husband, Peter, and to her entire family,” Chairman of the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event Dan Wunderlich said.
“This was a terrible accident resulting in the tragic loss of an experienced rider,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “Philippa Humphreys was a cherished member of the eventing community and her death must not go unmarked. Our top priority at all FEI events is the safety of our riders and horses, and the circumstances of this terrible accident will be fully investigated so that we can learn from it and use the findings to minimise the risks in our sport.
“On behalf of the FEI and the global eventing community, I would like to express our very sincere condolences to Philippa Humphrey’s husband, Peter, to her family and her many friends in the sport, both in the USA and in Britain.”
Earlier that day another horse, horse seriously injured in the fall, Inoui Van Bost, was euthanized at the New Jersey Equine Clinic in Millstone.
Philippa leaves behind her husband, Peter Humphreys and their daughter Millie. Joanie Morris has set up a college fundraising page for Millie on behalf on the US Eventing Community. At this writing, the page has raised over $29,000.
“Millie Humphreys tragically lost her mother, Philippa, who was a great friend to so many in the sport of Eventing. This fund is set up in her honor to ensure that Millie has access to the best education possible. The community and the sport is here for Millie’s family as they deal with this incredible loss. Thank you for your support.”
If you would like to donate please visit: http://www.youcaring.com/millie-elizabeth-humphreys-570323
We are so sad to report this devastating news. Our hearts go out the the family and friends of Philippa Humphreys.
