Amy Tryon has passed away in her sleep

From John: Eventing has lost a great rider, a great person, and a tremendous competitor today.

We have confirmed from multiple sources that former Olympian Amy Tryon passed away in her sleep earlier today. This news is a tragedy well beyond what words can convey for Amy’s family, her friends, and the entire eventing community. My understanding is that the cause of death is unknown and that a statement is being prepared, but there are no further details at this point.

Amy, of Duvall, Wash., most recently competed at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials two weeks ago. With Poggio II, a former race and Cascade Mountain trail horse, Amy represented the United States on two Olympic and two World Equestrian Games teams, bringing home a team gold medal from the World Games in Jerez in 2002 and a team bronze medal from the Athens Olympics in 2004. Amy was the Chronicle of the Horse’s Eventing Horseman of the Year in 2006. In addition to representing her country at the top levels of eventing and devoting countless hours to the development of talented horses and students, Tryon was a professional firefighter for many years.

Amy was hands down the toughest eventer I have ever known and she was incredibly well respected in the eventing community. Eventing Nation’s thought’s and prayers are with Amy’s family and connections tonight.

This news follows the show jumping world being rocked today with news that George Morris will be undergoing treatment for prostate cancer–he is expected to to return to the show circuit early this summer. Go Amy.