Police release statement after death of horse riding star Campbell (2024)

Police have released a statement following the death of British horse riding star Georgie Campbell at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon.

Campbell, 37, and Global Quest were competing in the CC14*-S event on Sunday when the accident occurred on the cross-country course.

They fell at a log into the water at fence 5b, known as the Symonds & Sampson Splash, and despite the efforts of medical professionals, Campbell tragically passed away.

A statement issued by Devon and Cornwall Police read: 'Police were called to reports about the death of a horse rider at Bicton Arena, East Budleigh, at around 3.50pm on Sunday 26 May.

'The woman was in her 30s and from Kent. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.'

British horse rider Georgie Campbell (pictured right, with her partner Jesse) has passed away

Campbell had suffered a fall while competing with Global Quest at the BictonHorse Trials

Campbell hadcompeted in more than 200 events, winning on six occasions including five-star eventsBadminton and Burghley

During her career, Campbell competed in more than 200 events, winning on six occasions, including five-star events Badminton and Burghley.

In 2020, she married event rider Jesse Campbell, who had previously represented New Zealand at the TokyoOlympics.

Read More Horse riding world is stunned by British rider Georgie Campbell's death at 37 after falling in a cross-country race, as friends pay tribute to 'mentor, queen and supportive wife'

A statement from Bicton International Horse Trials read: 'It is with deepest regret that we announce that Georgie Campbell (GBR) suffered a fatal accident whilst competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England on Sunday 26 May 2024.

'Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 5b however, unfortunately, she could not be saved.

'The horse, Global Quest, was assessed by the on-site vets and walked back to the stable and is uninjured.

'To respect the family's privacy at this extremely difficult and sad time, no further details will be shared.'

The CCI4*-S event was subsequently abandoned following the news that Campbell had suffered a fatal fall.

Campbell, who originally hails from Kent, was shortlisted for the British Junior Team before going on to make her five-star debut in 2009. She had also made several Nations Cup appearances with Team GB.

Georgie Campbell with Global Quest during the first horse inspection at the Boekelo Horse Trials CCIO 4*-NC-L on October 4, 2023

She was only two-years-old when she was taught to ride by her mother Debbie, a former GB endurance rider, in Kent.

Earlier in May, Campbell and Global Quest had finished third in theCCI3*-S at Osberton International Horse Trials.

Read More Who is Georgie Campbell's husband Jesse Campbell? Meet the Paris Olympics hopeful as his wife tragically dies at major equestrian event

Global Quest is an 11-year-old horse who has competed with Campbell for several years. The horse had moved to four-star level in 2022, with the pair winning theCCI4*-L at Lignieres in France the same year.

Georgie had competed at five-star on other horses, completing both Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials.

The horse riding world paid tribute to Campbellon social media after the tragic news.

One individual shared a heartfelt tribute that said: 'We all miss you so much angel. #restinpeace #sosorryforyourloss #loveyourself #rideforgeorgie. I’m so sorry for the Campbell’s loss.'

Another added: 'We all know the risks we take getting on a horse but when something like this happens it still shocks us all. Can happen to the best of us. RIP @mrsgeorgiecampbell. Thoughts and prayers go out to all connections as this devastating time.'

Georgie had competed at five-star on other horses, completing both Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials

Further figures from the horse riding world also shared heartfelt messages in honour of the 37-year-old, including one which said: '@mrsgeorgiecampbell you were my mentor my friend my coach the one who kicked me up the a**e to get my act together and ride.

'It's with great sadness that I had the dreaded phone call that you where taken from us way to soon may your legacy live on.'

A further heartbroken individual posted a photo of Campbell accompanied by the message: 'Devastated to hear that Georgie Campbell passed today in a tragic riding accident.

'Rest in peace Georgie, you were an inspiration to many riders.'

Other fans of Campbell took time to pay their respects as one touching tribute said: 'RIP Georgie. You will be greatly missed in the eventing and equestrian world and I'm sending lots of love to your family and friends and horses.'

Campbell, who originally hails from Kent, was shortlisted for the British Junior Team before going on to make her five-star debut in 2009

Meanwhile, some took time to comment on Campbell's most recent Instagram post, which came 14 weeks ago.

'Rest Easy Georgie - you'll be greatly missed,' read one supportive post, while another said: 'Rip Georgie you were an incredible women and rider my love Xx my thoughts are with your family and friends.'

Another heartwarming tribute said: 'RIP Georgie, a remarkable rider with so much passion for the sport. She will be missed.'