HSA & Gardai Begin Investigations In To Teenager's Death At Equestrian Event.

Thursday, 17 June 2021 12:33

Image: Tiggy Hancock/Horse Sport Ireland.

Tributes are being paid to 15 year old Tiggy Hancock.

The Health and Safety Authority will carry out an examination today, into the circumstances surrounding the death of a teenager in Dublin.

At around 2pm yesterday, emergency services were called to an equestrian centre in Rathcoole, after a 15 year old Tiggy Hancock received serious injuries during a training exercise.

She was brought to Crumlin's Children Hospital where she later passed away.

The Naas headquartered Horse Sport Ireland says "Tiggy was a highly talented young athlete and a respected member of our Pony High Performance Eventing Programme. A keen equestrian for many years as a member of the Carlow and Kilkenny Hunt Pony Club and very successful Working Hunter Pony competitor, Tiggy only began Eventing in the autumn of 2018, making an immediate mark on the sport. Following a run of impressive performances in 2019, she was selected to represent Ireland at the Under 16 European Eventing Team Championships in Poland, where she and her team mates secured a team bronze medal. Only recently, Tiggy has impressed against senior counterparts in the CCI2* S in Millstreet with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow finishing just outside the podium, seeing off seasoned athletes who have competed at European and World Level.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing and a file is being prepared for the Coroners Court

HSI says "Tiggy was well-liked among both junior and senior members of the Irish equestrian family and her passing will be mourned by all. The Hancock family are known throughout Ireland for their commitment to the equestrian community and those who know them will share in their grief.

The loss of a young person is all always particularly hard to comprehend. This will be a difficult time for many of Tiggy’s team mates and friends in the sport. Horse Sport Ireland have a designated support person to assist individuals affected, and would encourage them or their parents to come forward seek support."