Tragic final moments of tot who died after falling from pony while with fox-hunting group

An inquest has heard how a two-year-old tot died from chest injuries after falling from her pony.

Two-year-old Felicity Francis was riding with members of a fox-hunting group before she passed away.

North Yorkshire Coroners Court heard that the child was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle but pronounced dead later that day, reports Yorkshire Live.

The toddler, from Northallerton, is the daughter of Michael Francis, who is the joint huntmaster of Bedale Hunt.

Jonathan Heath, senior coroner for York and North Yorkshire, said that the provisional cause of death is chest injuries at the inquest that opened on October 14.

He adjourned the inquest and said a date for the next hearing will be set in due course.

A statement issued by the Bedale Hunt said: "We can confirm that Michael Francis, father of the late Felicity, is a joint master and huntsman of the Bedale Hunt.

"The thoughts of all those connected with the hunt and the wider hunting community remain with the Francis family to whom we extend our sincere condolences."

The accident happened in Penfold Terrace, a country lane leading out of the village of in Kirkby Fleetham and into surrounding fields.

A spokesman for the hunt said at the time members were "devastated".

He said: "We can confirm that a tragic accident happened on Wednesday, September 15, when a two-year-old girl fell from her pony and subsequently lost her life.

"As a community, we are all completely devastated but are pulling together to support the family involved.

"Our sincere condolences go to all those affected and we urge that everybody respects the family's privacy during what is a very distressing time."

North Yorkshire Police said at the time: "Police are compiling a report on behalf of the coroner following the tragic death of a two-year-old girl, who was involved in a horse riding-related incident on land at Kirkby Fleetham, near Northallerton.

"It occurred at around 8am on Wednesday and the girl died at hospital during the early hours of Thursday."

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