Showjumping rider killed in fatal fall during training

The lithuanian rider Rimas Rimkus died after he fell of a nine year old horse during training. Emergency services attended, but the 58 year old rider already died before he could be taken to the hospital. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed yet. Rimas Rimkus competed at international level until 2013 and had been focussing on training younger riders lately.

“The Lithuanian equestrian community lost Rimas Rimkus on 4 October,” said a spokesman from the Lithuanian equestrian federation. “He died a famous rider, a multiple champion of Lithuania and national and international competition winner. This disaster is a big tragedy for both Rimas’ relatives and the entire equestrian community."

This is the second fatal accident in one week time. Argentinean eventer Santiago Zone was involved in a fatal cross-country accident at a national event last Saturday.