Two showjumpers killed in Florida car crash

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Two showjumpers have been killed in a car accident in Wellington, Florida.

Hit a pillar

International showjumper Andres Rodriguez was driving when his car hit a pillar, at around 3.30am yesterday morning (4 January).

His passenger Sophie Walker died at the scene, while Andres was taken to Delray Medical Center, where he passed away a few hours later.

According to reports, Andres gave Sophie a lift home after attending a birthday party in the Palm Beach Polo & Country Club gated community.

‘Lost for words’

“It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that Andres Rodriguez and his passenger Sophie Walker suffered a tragic car accident on Monday morning in Wellington, Florida,” said a statement on Andres’ Facebook page.

“Circumstances of the accident are still unclear. Sophie Walker passed away in the accident and despite all efforts Andres passed away a few hours later.

“We are lost for words. Our prayers and thoughts go to Sophie’s family, to Andres’ wife and family. RIP Chepito.”

Aiming for Olympics

Born in Venezuela, Andres was based in Wellington, where the Winter Equestrian Festival is held each year. The thirty-one year old won silver at the Pan American Games in Toronto last summer and was hoping to ride for his country in the Rio Olympics this year.

Andres recently married his fiancée Clementine Goutal, who enjoyed success competing at amateur level.

Sophie was also an amateur rider and wife of professional trainer Brian Walker. Together they ran Woodside Farm, a horse sales and training business in Wellington.