Horse-riding death of girl investigated

Derry City Council and the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive are investigating the death of a Co Tyrone girl in a …

Derry City Council and the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive are investigating the death of a Co Tyrone girl in a weekend horse-riding incident.

Hannah Wiley (13), from Artigarvan, died during an event at Eglinton equestrian club in Co Derry on Friday night. It is understood her horse fell on top of her. A student at Strabane Academy, she was described as a gifted student and promising rider.

Strabane DUP councillor Allan Bresland said it was a “freak accident” and paid respects to the girl’s family. SDLP rural Derry councillor Brenda Stevenson offered sympathy to her family and friends while Sinn Féin vice-chairman of Strabane Council Dan Kelly said the community was in shock.

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times