The showjumping community is left in a state of grief after learning about the tragic death of 25-year-old Irish showjumper Jack Dodd.

Dodd was involved in a car accident last week, and was brought to Maastricht University Hospital where he has been fighting for his life. Earlier this week, Dodd’s family released a statement that he was stable and holding strong but that he was kept asleep in order to help his body recover from the head trauma and broken bones he suffered in the accident. Very sadly, Dodd lost the battle.

In a statement released today, the International Jumping Riders Club writes:

“The showjumping world is shaken by the tragic death of one of its brightest young stars.

It is with great sorrow and affection that the International Jumping Riders Club has learnt of the death of the talented young Irish rider Jack Dodd. His family and friends are in our thoughts.

A recent member of the Young Riders Academy, despite his young age, Jack was already well known at international show jumping arenas around the world. With immense admiration for all that he had already achieved, the IJRC with its Director Eleonora Ottaviani, also council member and co-founder of the Young Riders Academy, will treasure Jack’s memory, in the certainty that his exceptional talent would have taken him far.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jack, and to all those who were fortunate enough to work alongside him within the sport.”

Tributes to Dodd have been made from many of his showjumping friends, that have posted emotional words today about this exceptional young man. “Jack you were the nicest, most polite, funny, hard working, sincere, kind lad I’ve had the pleasure to call my friend,” writes Irish showjumper Cameron Hanley. “A sir, a gentleman, a top class person...,” writes Enda Carroll of Ashford Farm.

At World of Showjumping, our sincere condolences go out to Dodd’s family and friends in this difficult time.