Kim Hyung-Chil was 47 years old and he was one of the most experienced athletes at the Asian Games. The jockey died when his mare Bundaberg Black hit the eighth fence and stumbled, throwing him from his saddle. After this he never regained consciousness despite the efforts made by a team of medical professionals to save him.

This is the first time that an athlete dies at the Asian Games since the inaugural event in 1951 at New Delhi.

The cause of the accident will be investigated. It is speculated that the rain might have had something to do with the tragedy but the Committee will look into it to find out if there was mismanagement as the event was held in slippery underfoot conditions. According to a Korean equestrian federation representative at the course the horse mistimed its jump and slipped.

The committee announced that the Koreans will carry on at the Asian Games despite the tragedy.

The athlete leaves behind a wife, a seven-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. Kim will be buried at Seoul’s national cemetery and will be honored with South Korea’s highest sports award.