Corolla wild horse killed in tragic accident

By on January 1, 2022

(Corolla Wild Horse Fund)

Rabbit as foal in 2019 (Photo Credit: David Dickens/CWHF)

Sadly, this news was posted this evening, Jan. 1, on the Corolla Wild Horse Fund page.

We have some very tragic news to report this evening. This afternoon, at around 2:15 p.m., Rabbit, who was born in 2019, was struck by a vehicle and killed. The person who hit her called 911 and CWHF and law enforcement responded immediately.

After interviewing the driver and witnesses, and performing a breathalyzer, it was determined that this was indeed a devastating accident. Rabbit galloped down the dunes and directly into the path of the vehicle. We’d like to thank the driver for stopping and calling in to report the accident, and for their cooperation while we worked to figure out exactly what happened.

This should serve as a reminder to everyone that the horses are unpredictable and great care should be taken when driving on the beach. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times and reduce your speed when possible.

We are making this announcement now because there were lots of witnesses and word about the accident is spreading quickly. We do not want rumors to spread or false information to be posted anywhere. However, we are in shock and grieving, and not prepared to entertain much discourse about the incident this evening. Thank you for understanding.

To learn more about Corolla Wildhorse Fund or to support them visit Corolla Wild Horse Fund.  To follow them on social media visit Corolla Wild Horse Fund page.

 

Comments

  • Yeppers

    Ah… code word “tragic” points to the driver being a local… if they’d been a part-timer or an out-of-towner the story would’ve spoken of a deranged lunatic hitting a horse while barreling down the beach at excessive speeds.

    Saturday, Jan 1 @ 9:13 pm

  • Right Hook

    Truly a very sad tragedy. All life is precious. We should have the same sorrow for the loss of all life – especially the preborn children whose lives are terminated.

    Sunday, Jan 2 @ 7:40 am

  • larry

    And you guys want to build a bridge? It’s only going to allow more people in town. What do you think is going to happen? Allowing easier access year round to Corolla and Carova is only going to make this situation worse.

    Sunday, Jan 2 @ 10:13 am

  • anotherobxman

    Sometimes you see a thing and you just have to think, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

    “Please be aware of your surroundings at all times and reduce your speed when possible.”

    Just WHEN is reducing your speed NOT possible? When your brakes have failed? When you are at a dead standstill?

    Sunday, Jan 2 @ 11:38 am

  • Surf123

    Insane tourism is not compatible with wildlife of any type. The tourists will not stay away so the horses need to pack it in and relocate. No reason for tears as this was inevitable. It should be noted that the harassing horse tours are part of the reason the horses are accustomed to humans and vehicles.

    Sunday, Jan 2 @ 6:49 pm

  • C A

    Another terrible loss, this is incredibly heartbreaking.

    Sunday, Jan 2 @ 9:55 pm

  • Lee

    Yeppers you are wrong. It was a red ford truck from VA. traveling at base of dune track. If you were from here you might understand when the horses start chasing each other they will run into anything moving or standing still. The base of dune track is the most dangerous track for horses and people. Do you really think a local person would run over a horse and mean too?

    Monday, Jan 3 @ 7:53 am

  • DONNA MILLS

    they nned to lower speed limted and the drivers need watch what they are doing. They knew the horses are on the outer banks. The drivers need to slow the hell down

    Monday, Jan 3 @ 12:22 pm

  • resident

    WOW. Yeppers. Good job assuming! So much for compassion . And if you are so hostile towards people in this area then go elsewhere. To the caretakers of these horses, i am sorry for the loss of this young horse and thank you for the work you do.

    Monday, Jan 3 @ 1:01 pm

  • Jimmy Twotimes

    Hi. So sorry to hear about your quintessential Northern OBX negligence and genetic carelessness towards the sacred non-native horse herd, Pennsylvania tourists, beach sand, and nature in general. Do better, people. Please do better going forward. Thank God you have the sanctimonious horse foundation to scold you every month or two.

    Monday, Jan 3 @ 4:48 pm

  • Just sayin

    Lower the speed limit?? Its already 15, what does it need to be lowered to??

    Monday, Jan 3 @ 5:31 pm