Tributes paid as ‘outstanding’ soldier who died in fall at Royal Windsor Horse Show is named | Military

A soldier who died after falling from his horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show was named Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, and was an “extraordinary jockey” with “infectious energy”, her commanding officer said.

Sullivan, who was part of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, crashed after leaving the arena at around 7pm on Friday.

Thames Valley police said he died at the scene with serious injuries despite immediate medical attention. Police said they are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious.

Sullivan was officiated at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year.

“Lance Bombardier (LBdr) Ciara Sullivan, ‘Sully’ to her friends, was a bright light in every room she entered, to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her,” her commanding officer said in a tribute released by the Ministry of Defense (MoD). He was praised as “an outstanding soldier and a role model for many with whom he worked.”

The “highly professional soldier” was a talented football player and “quietly” took others with him when he went to the gym. “His patient coaching helped many horse artillerymen in the unit realize their potential.”

Defense secretary John Healey described Sullivan as “a brilliant young soldier who selflessly served our country. We are all deeply shocked and saddened by his death.”

A Buckingham Palace spokesman previously said the king was “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn of his death and would contact his family to offer his condolences.

“Although Her Majesty and other members of the royal family were present in the arena when the incident occurred, they did not realize the seriousness of the situation until later.”