Death of event rider Georgie Campbell, 36, has 'shocked equestrian world to its core' as British Olympic hero Laura Collett leads tributes to 'beautiful soul taken too soon' following her tragic fall on Sunday

The death of event rider Georgie Campbell, 36, has 'shocked the equestrian world to its core'.

British Olympic hero Laura Collett paid tribute to Campbell, referring to her as 'the most genuinely lovely girl you could ever meet'.

Collett, who won a team gold medal at the Tokyo games in 2021, said that Campbell 'would light up any room with her smile' and was a 'fantastic rider'.

She added that a 'beautiful soul has been taken far too soon'.

The horse riding world has paid tribute to Campbell after the rider tragically died following a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon on Sunday.

Campbell and Global Quest were competing in the CCI4*-S event when the accident took place on the cross-country course. They fell at a log into the water at fence 5b, known as the Symonds & Sampson Splash. 

Rider Pippa Funnell described Campbell as 'absolutely beautiful both inside and out' and said that her death had shocked the equestrian world 'to its core', the Telegraph reported.

Double badminton champion William Fox-Pitt said Campbell was a 'very competent, thorough, ambitious and accomplished rider who did everything well'. 

Medical professionals had immediately attended the scene, but Campbell tragically passed away. 

A statement issued to Mail Sport by Devon and Cornwall Police read: 'Police were called to reports about the death of a horse rider at Bicton Arena, East Budeigh, at around 3.50pm on Sunday 26 May.

'The woman was in her 30s and from Kent.

'The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.'

After the devastating news was announced, several figures from the sport and many friends paid tribute to Campbell. 

One individual shared a heartfelt tribute that said: 'We all miss you so much angel. #restinpeace #sosorryforyourloss #loveyourself #rideforgeorgie. I’m so sorry for the Campbell’s loss.'

Another added: 'We all know the risks we take getting on a horse but when something like this happens it still shocks us all. Can happen to the best of us. RIP @mrsgeorgiecampbell. Thoughts and prayers go out to all connections as this devastating time.'

Further figures from the horse riding world also shared heartfelt messages in honour of the 37-year-old, including one which said: '@mrsgeorgiecampbell you were my mentor my friend my coach the one who kicked me up the a**e to get my act together and ride.

'It's with great sadness that I had the dreaded phone call that you where taken from us way to soon may your legacy live on.'

A further heartbroken individual posted a photo of Campbell accompanied by the message: 'Devastated to hear that Georgie Campbell passed today in a tragic riding accident.

'Rest in peace Georgie, you were an inspiration to many riders.' 

Other fans of Campbell took time to pay their respects as one touching tribute said: 'RIP Georgie. You will be greatly missed in the eventing and equestrian world and I'm sending lots of love to your family and friends and horses.'

Meanwhile, some took time to comment on Campbell's most recent Instagram post, which came 14 weeks ago.

'Rest Easy Georgie - you'll be greatly missed,' read one supportive post, while another said: 'Rip Georgie you were an incredible women and rider my love Xx my thoughts are with your family and friends.'

Another heartwarming tribute said: 'RIP Georgie, a remarkable rider with so much passion for the sport. She will be missed.'

Others joined in to express their condolences which highlighted how well-regarded and popular Campbell was.

A further post said: 'Rip Georgie. You are loved by so many, you'll be missed,' as an extra post read: 'Rest easy Georgie - greatly missed by a massive community. Forever in all our hearts.' 

During her career, Campbell competed in more than 200 events, winning on six occasions, including five-star events Badminton and Burghley. In 2020, she married event rider Jesse Campbell, who had previously represented New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics. 

While Jesse has not yet issued a public statement following the death of his wife, the Olympian previously paid tribute to their bond upon his selection to the New Zealand Olympic team in 2021. 

'The list of people who have helped and supported me to get to this stage is endless but I would especially like to mention the following,' Jesse captioned an Instagram post at the time. 

'My beautiful wife, Georgie, who is constantly by my side, supporting me at every turn. She helps pick me up when I’m grumpy but also quickly puts me back in my box when I get ahead of myself.'

A statement from Bicton International Horse Trials on Sunday had 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.'

The Bicton Horse Trials took place at the Bicton Arena in Devon between Thursday, May 23 and Sunday, May 26. 

A statement was released earlier on Sunday announcing that Campbell and Global Quest had fallen on the course and that there would be a delay of approximately one hour. 

The CCI4*-S event was subsequently abandoned following the news that Campbell had suffered a fatal fall. 

Campbell, who originally hails from Kent, was shortlisted for the British Junior Team before going on to make her five-star debut in 2009. She had also made several Nations Cup appearances with Team GB. 

She was only two-years-old when she was taught to ride by her mother Debbie, a former GB endurance rider, in Kent.

Earlier in May, Campbell and Global Quest had finished third in the CCI3*-S at Osberton International Horse Trials. 

Global Quest is an 11-year-old horse who has competed with Campbell for several years. The horse had moved to four-star level in 2022, with the pair winning the CCI4*-L at Lignieres in France the same year. 

Georgie had competed at five-star on other horses, completing both Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials.