13-Year-Old Dies In Horse-Riding Accident

A teenage girl from County Tyrone has died in a horse-riding accident.

13-year-old Hannah Wiley, from Artigarvan, was taking part in a show-jumping event at Eglington Equestrian Centre when the accident happened.

It is understood she was crushed by her horse when it fell on her after completing a jump.

The family’s vicar, Reverend Mark Russell of Leckpatrick Presbyterian Church, said: "She was a great child. A very quiet girl, so full of fun and energy and very committed to everything she was involved in. She loved riding her horse and she was very skilful and competent and while we do not know the exact circumstances of what happened, it looks like a very tragic accident."

Councillors from the area sent their sympathies and Hannah's PE teacher at Strabane Academy paid tribute, saying Hannah had the potential to be Head Girl one day.

Catherine Moore said: "Hannah was a model pupil. This year she was captain of her hockey team. She was a natural choice as she was popular with her peers.

"She was always such a happy child. She was a very gifted pupil who everyone loved. Hannah had the makings of a head girl. Every member of staff is in pieces. We are all devastated."

Pupils at the school will be offered counselling.

Officials from Derry City Council and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the circumstances around the accident.

Hannah will be laid to rest following a service at Leckpatrick Presbyterian Church at 2pm on Wednesday.

(NE)