Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan died on Sunday after suffered injuries in the fall during the race earlier this month, said the Irish Regulatory Committee for Horses. He was 24 years old.
O’Sullivan was driving Wee Charlie when he was one of three riders who fell on the last fence during the race held in Thurles, Ireland, February 6th. He was treated on the trail before being taken to Cork University Hospital, where he was located in an induced coma, a CBS News Partner BBC News reported.
“On behalf of the O’sullivan family, with deep sadness Ihrb confirms the passage of Michael O’sllivan,” ” Ihrb said in a statement on Sunday. “IHRB Directors and Staff want to express a sincere condolences to Michael’s family, partner, friends, his colleagues in the room and a wider racing community at the moment.”
John Walton/so pictures via Getty Images
Dr. Jennifer Pugh, Chief Medical Director of IHRB, said she died with her family around her at Cork University Hospital early Sunday morning.
“Let’s expand our gratitude for the multidisciplinary teams who have given Michael the best medical care, both at the racetrack and in the Cork University Hospital,” Pugh said in a statement. “Michael’s family has made the decision to donate their organs in this incredibly difficult time, but it has made a choice that will really change the lives of other patients and their families.”
Out of respect for O’Sullivan, Sunday was canceled in Punchorstown with a few more races.
“Michael was an extremely talented young rider who was always popular in the room,” said IHRB Executive Director Darragh O’Loughlin. “Michael will deeply miss everyone in the races who have been pleased to know him.”
The first win in O’Sullivan in the professional race arrived in 2018, in Corko, BBC News reported. He officially turned professionally into September 2022, and the following year he increased his prominentness after winning several races at Cheltenham Festival in England, according to the BBC.
