09 January 2023 , 20:54
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Former Team GB rower Tanya Brady was killed after being dislodged by her spooked horse, an inquest has heard.
Brady - who represented her country on the water, and had been an Army captain - tragically passed away in April of last year.
The ex-athlete was treated by the emergency services following the accident, but despite their best efforts the 49-year-old died at the scene. Nine months on, an inquest into her death has been heard, with a witness of the accident giving his account.
The witness was a scaffolder working nearby, and he told Winchester Court that he saw Brady fall from the horse before 'hearing a crack' as she fell at speed.
He said that he saw Brady and her horse "took to the grass and the horse gathered speed."
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Discussing the sheer speed the animal was travelling at, the witness added: "I estimate it got to 35mph across the green with the female rider screaming as she tried to get control of the horse."
Hampshire coroner Christopher Wilkinson recorded a verdict of accidental death following evidence.
Mr Wilkinson said: "We cannot identify what triggered this horse as it entered on to the grass.
"It did get spooked and headed off at pace before, I suspect, it came to an abrupt halt at the mound before the ditch and she was ejected and fell the 10ft into the ditch."
Paying tribute to the former Team GB athlete, the coroner added: "Tanya was an accomplished Army officer, she was an accomplished sportswoman reaching an incredibly high level, she represented her country, the British Army, and she was a dedicated mother and wife. She led a life through passion and drive."