British eventer Georgie Campbell dies after fall at competition in Devon

The 36-year-old was competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials.

Pa Sport Staff
Sunday 26 May 2024 20:59 BST
Georgie Campbell pictured competing with Cooley Earl at Badminton (David Davies/PA).
Georgie Campbell pictured competing with Cooley Earl at Badminton (David Davies/PA). (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

British equestrian Georgie Campbell has died after a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, British Eventing has announced.

Campbell (nee Strang), who was competing on the fourth and final day of the event, was immediately attended to by medical staff but could not be saved.

A British Eventing statement 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.”

Campbell, 36, was two when she was first taught to ride by her mother Debbie, a former GB endurance rider, in her native Kent and was initially a top-level showing rider before turning to eventing.

Shortlisted for the British junior team in her teens, Campbell made her five-star debut in 2009 and quickly progressed, representing Great Britain numerous times on Nations Cup teams.

In 2010, with Master Monarch, Campbell won the prize for the highest-placed rider under 25 in the British Open at Gatcombe and made her four-star debut at Burghley.

She competed at Badminton, Burghley and Pau five-star events, but in an Equine America interview last year also cited winning the 4* Long in 2022 at Ligniers on Global Quest as a career highlight.

She most recently placed third with the same horse in the CCI3*-S class at Osberton.

Campbell wed fellow equestrian Jesse Campbell, a member of the New Zealand team for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, in December 2020.

Together the pair joined personal and professional forces to create Team Campbell Eventing.

In a joint interview with her husband last summer, Campbell told Equine America that three top items on her bucket list were “win(ing) a 5*, (to) compete at an Olympic Games (and) go on safari”.

Asked what she had wished she had learned earlier in her career, Campbell replied: “Not to compare yourself to others. Have faith in your own system and enjoy the little things every day.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in