Home / Sports / Teacher's fatal horse trial fall ruled accidental
Teacher's fatal horse trial fall ruled accidental
26 Feb
Summary
- Sarah Yorke died after her horse fell at Aston-le-Walls.
- Inquest found her death was accidental due to multiple traumatic injuries.
- Fences were inspected and found to be in order after the incident.
A horse rider's accidental death at a cross-country competition has been confirmed by an inquest. Sarah Yorke, a 37-year-old primary school teacher, tragically lost her life on August 8th at the Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials. Her horse fell at the third fence, trapping her beneath it.
Despite prompt medical intervention from event staff and an air ambulance crew, Yorke was pronounced dead at 18:26 BST. The senior coroner for Northamptonshire determined her death resulted from multiple traumatic injuries. The inquest heard that event medical teams provided immediate care, including airway management and advanced life support, but her condition deteriorated rapidly.
An inspection of the course following the incident revealed that all fences, including the third fence, were correctly set up. A technical advisor found no issues that would have contributed to the accident. Yorke was a beloved teacher in Shropshire and Powys, remembered for her energy and positive impact on children.
