Philippa Humphreys and Rich N Famous. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event has confirmed that Philippa Humphreys died from injuries sustained in a rotational fall with Rich N Famous at fence 16 on the CCI3* cross country course.
The official statement reads as follows:
It is with deep regret that we announce that rider #52, Philippa Humphreys, 33, suffered fatal injuries in a fall at fence 16, the table, on the cross country course of the CCI3* at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event.
Humphreys, a British citizen living in Rockford, Michigan, was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in nearby Hamilton, NJ, where she was pronounced dead by the attending physician. Her horse, Rich N Famous, was uninjured.
“All of us connected with the Jersey Fresh International are deeply saddened by today’s tragic news and we extend our condolences to Philippa’s husband, Peter, and to her entire family,” said Dan Wunderlich, Chairman of the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event.
The event will not be cancelled.
The EN team extends our deepest condolences to Philippa’s husband Peter, daughter Millie, and all the families and friends affected. There are no words to express how truly sorry we are. The global eventing community mourns her loss.
Update 7 p.m. EST: Rusty Lowe, FEI safety officer for Jersey Fresh, released the following statement in a press conference:
“Philippa Humphreys experienced a rotational fall at fence 16, a table, at approximately 12:38 p.m. today. When she went down, a bystander nurse close by immediately went to her aid and initiated CPR. Medical staff was dispatched immediately and arrived within 45 seconds. Resuscitative measures were taken and Advanced Life Support was given.
“She was attempted to be resuscitated on the scene and was transported to a local trauma center, where she was pronounced dead approximately one hour later. The medical staff that was on duty here today did a tremendous job and gave a heroic effort to attempt to treat and resuscitate Philippa. Unfortunately, her injuries were severe enough that she could not be resuscitated.”
A college fund has been established for Millie, Philippa’s 6-month-old daughter. Please consider donating in honor and memory of Philippa. Click here to donate.
Update May 16: Gabrielle Sterling has been identified as the bystander nurse who initiated CPR. Thank you, Gabrielle, for your efforts to save Philippa’s life. Gabrielle posted the following on her Facebook page:
“I tried so very hard to save this rider and mother. In 18 years of emergency room and oncology experience, I could not save her even being there right when it happened. God bless the family. My prayers are with all of the family and friends.”
