New statement released after 24-year-old soldier dies at royal show

Source from Daily Express

The parents of the 24-year-old soldier who died in a tragic incident have shared an emotional tribute.

Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan

The parents of the 24-year-old soldier who died have shared an emotional tribute (Image: MoD)

The parents of a 24-year-old soldier who died after a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show while serving with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery have shared emotional tributes to their daughter. Ciara Sullivan fell from her horse at approximately 7pm on Friday (May 15) evening, moments after exiting the arena where she had just performed before King Charles and other Royal Family members.

Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the scene, the young rider sustained fatal injuries, with Thames Valley Police later confirming they are treating the death as unexplained but non-suspicious. Friends and family have described Ms Sullivan as a “beautiful soul” who “passed away doing what she loved”. Her father posted a photograph of his daughter on social media, accompanied by the words: “The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten.” In response to tributes from the equestrian community, her mother wrote: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to write this. She was doing what she loved.”

Female soldier who died after she was thrown from her horse moments after performing in front of the King at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Ms Sullivan was a member of King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, a prestigious ceremonial unit (Image: -)

Close friend Josephine Coates also shared her grief online, writing: “Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again. Goodbye my friend, rest easy.”

Ms Sullivan was a member of the prestigious ceremonial unit, whose duties include firing salutes, participating in parades and supporting the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards in central London.

Her friend, Eleanor Lucas Bell, also paid tribute to her extraordinary abilities in a social media post: “She had ridden my boys, and I saw first hand the incredible talent, horsemanship and dedication she possessed.

“She was the very pinnacle of equestrianism someone I looked up to enormously as both a rider and a role model.”

King Charles III during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, Berkshire

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles – who was

Ms Lucas Bell said the tragedy serves as “a heartbreaking reminder of just how dangerous and unforgiving equestrian sport can be,” adding: “Her loss will be felt deeply by so many, which says everything about the beautiful soul she was. Stand down Gunner.”

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles was “greatly shocked and saddened” upon learning of Ms Sullivan’s death. A spokesperson stated that the monarch “will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences”. The Palace added that while His Majesty and other Royal Family members were present at the arena when the incident occurred, they were not informed of its severity until afterwards.

Thames Valley Police chief superintendent Michael Loebenberg has appealed for anyone with information or relevant material to come forward.

The Ministry of Defence said: “Our thoughts are with Lance Bombardier Sullivan’s family, friends, and Regiment at this incredibly difficult time.”

 

 

SOURCE: https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2207186/soldier-24-dies-royal-show-new-statement-released