A soldier who died after falling from a horse at a royal show has been named as Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan. The 24-year-old suffered fatal injuries at around 7pm on Friday, May 15.
In a tribute today, Monday, May 18, her commanding officer described her as 'a bright light in any room she entered'.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously said King Charles III and other members of the royal family had been present at the arena at the time the incident took place. They said the King was 'shocked and saddened' and would be in touch with the family to share his condolences.
Ms Sullivan's father posted a photo tribute on social media over the weekend, accompanied by the words: 'The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten'.
She joined the army aged 18, starting at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey, before joining the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in 2021, the Ministry of Defence said in Monday's update.
Her commanding officer described Ms Sullivan - known as 'Sully' to her friends - as a 'fearless and gifted horsewoman'. They said she 'was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered.'
A statement continued: 'An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy - the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention - and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.'
'An outstanding soldier and a role model to many she worked with,' they added, saying she had 'natural courage that made her always the first to volunteer to ride the most demanding of horses'.
'Beyond her equestrian talent, she was a soldier of remarkable breadth. A skilled footballer, a dedicated presence in the gym who pushed herself and quietly brought others along with her, and someone who found cause to celebrate the smallest daily victories in those she served with.'
She took part in ceremonies for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, as well as King Charles' coronation in 2023 and had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor.
Lt Gen Mike Elviss, master gunner at St James's Palace, added: 'The Royal Regiment of Artillery and the wider British Army is a lesser place without her. I could not be more sorry nor saddened by her loss.'
Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'We're all deeply shocked and saddened by her death.'
The BBC reported Thames Valley Police said officers had not found any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
