A 13-year-old girl who died following a horse riding accident in Co Londonderry had been taking part in an event.
The girl, who is understood to be from Artigarvan in Co Tyrone, was killed while taking part in an event at Eglinton Equestrian Club on Friday night.
It is understood her horse fell on her after going over a jump.
Vice chairman of Strabane Council Dan Kelly said the community in Artigarvan and throughout the district was in shock.
“You can’t put into words what her family must be going through, this is such a tragic accident,” said the Sinn Fein man.
“This will send shock waves through the whole community.”
DUP Strabane councillor Allan Bresland said: “She was a talented rider who had won a lot of prizes recently.
“This was a freak accident. I would like to pay my respects to her family at this time.”
His council colleague Rhonda Hamilton added: “My heart goes out to her family, this must be devastating. To lose a child is just so awful.”
The club where the accident happened is close to the City of Derry airport.
Foyle Assembly member Mark H Durkan described it as a tragedy.
“I would like to express my deepest sympathies to this young girl’s family and the wider equestrian family,” said the SDLP representative.
“This is an extremely difficult time for them following this tragic accident.”
The incident was originally referred to the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive but the HSE said Derry City Council was now taking the lead in investigating.
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