Probes into death of King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery soldier could last 18 months
Investigations into the death of King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery soldier Ciara Sullivan could take around 18 months, a coroner has said.
Lance Bombardier Sullivan reportedly fell from her horse on 15 May at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The incident happened at around 1900hrs after she had exited the Castle Arena, and she died at the scene.
An inquest into the 24-year-old's death was opened at Berkshire Coroner's Court and immediately adjourned by coroner Hannah Godfrey.
Ms Godfrey said investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Defence Safety Authority (DSA), which is part of the Ministry of Defence, were ongoing.
"This was a death in the workplace," she explained. "I would like to have the opportunity to consider the findings of these investigations before holding an inquest."
The DSA and HSE investigations are expected to last between 12 and 18 months or more, the coroner said.
A date for the full inquest into the death of LBdr Sullivan was therefore not fixed and will be confirmed later.
A provisional cause of death was given at the hearing as "chest injuries" - but the coroner said this was subject to review.
The King and members of the Royal Family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place but were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at the time how King Charles had been "greatly shocked and saddened" to learn of LBdr Sullivan's death and would be in touch with her family to share his condolences.
LBdr Sullivan was deployed at the late Queen's state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year.
The soldier, who was said to love horses and have a natural affinity for them, was remembered previously by her commanding officer as an exceptional jockey with an "infectious energy".
She attended Army Training Centre Pirbright in November 2020 and joined The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021.
She had been involved in ceremonial operations with her unit, including multiple Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park in London.
The MOD said she had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and enjoyed working on developing young horses.
LBdr Sullivan offered riding lessons to the mounted gunners in her sub-section and was often nominated to instruct officers in The King's Troop RHA.
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