A BELOVED show-jumper has tragically died after she was “kicked in the head” by a horse.
Jill Mollen, 22, was working at a horse stable at the time of the horrific accident.
At the time of the incident on November 4, she had been working with a horse in a meadow next to the stable.
Eyewitnesses saw her walk past a horse in order to move it, before the dreadful moment occurred.
Just minutes later she was found motionless in the field beside the animal, after sustaining a severe head injury.
Jill was rushed to the hospital in critical condition from Stal Ceulemans in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium, where she underwent emergency surgery.
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The hospital is roughly halfway between Brussels and Antwerp.
Sadly, it was too late to save her life.
Stal Ceulemans, the stable, confirmed Jill’s tragic death on Sunday in a statement released to the public, calling the accident “heartbreaking”.
“Today we received the heartbreaking news that Jill, our young employee who was seriously injured earlier this week in the accident at our stable, has unfortunately passed away,” the statement read.
Jill’s devastated parents also released a statement, revealing their daughter was an organ donor.
“Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that through organ donation, her warmth and strength will continue to live on in the lives she touches.”
Local authorities have launched an investigation into Jill’s death.
The young show-jumper has been described as a highly experienced and talented rider.
On social media, she listed her passion for showjumping in her bio, along with the phrase: “Do it with your heart or not at all.”
Bram Van Hulle from Equnews Equestrian magazine told Belgian media: “Accidents can happen in an instant, without anyone being at fault.”
Horse riding is extremely popular in the European nation, despite international research showing it ranks among the top three most dangerous sports.
Horse riding follows cycling and motorcycling.