An inquest into death of soldier at the Royal Windsor Horse Show has been adjourned as investigations continue.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, reportedly fell from her horse on May 15 at around 7pm after exiting the Castle Arena in Windsor, and died at the scene.
An inquest into her death was opened on Wednesday, July 1, at Berkshire Coroner’s Court and immediately adjourned as coroner Hannah Godfrey said investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Defence Safety Authority (DSA) – which is part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) – were ongoing.
"This was a death in the workplace," Ms Godfrey told the hearing.
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"I would like to have the opportunity to consider the findings of these investigations before holding an inquest."
The court heard the HSE and DSA inquiries are expected to last between 12 and 18 months or more.
As a result, a date for the full inquest into the death of L/Bdr Sullivan was therefore not fixed and will be confirmed later.
A provisional cause of death was given at the hearing as “chest injuries”, although Ms Godfrey said that this remains subject to review.
A spokesperson for the HSE said: "We can confirm the Health and Safety Executive is leading the investigation into this incident and we are making inquiries."
The incident occurred during the Royal Windsor Horse Show, with the King and other members of the Royal Family present at the arena at the time.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously said they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later.
They added that the King was "greatly shocked and saddened" by the news of L/Bdr Sullivan’s death and would be in touch with her family to share his condolences.
L/Bdr Sullivan took part in major national occasions, including the late Queen’s state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla in 2023.
She joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright in November 2020 before entering the King’s Troop in June 2021.
Her commanding officer previously remembered her as an "exceptional jockey" with an "infectious energy" and a passion for every aspect of military riding.
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She had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and enjoyed working on developing young horses and training military ones, the MoD said previously.
L/Bdr Sullivan offered riding lessons to the mounted gunners in her sub-section and was often nominated to instruct officers in the King’s Troop, it added.
“She was passionate about everything to do with the Troop and participated in every extra activity available, including show jumping and The Troop Race,” the MoD said.
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