Eustis killed in backstretch accident at Balmoral
April 11, 2011,from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Harnessracing.com is reporting that Michelle Eustis, 25-year-old daughter of Charles Eustis III, the trainer of St Elmo Hero, was killed in an accident on the Balmoral Park backstretch early Monday morning (April 11) that also left a caretaker seriously injured.
According to harnessracing.com, Eustis and Heather France were riding a horse bareback on the road parallel to the backside of Balmoral Park at approximately 5 a.m. when they were struck by a truck driven by trainer/driver Angus Lake. She was airlifted to a local hospital where she later died. France’s injuries are unknown at this time.
It has also been reported that Lake, 41, was arrested and charged with drunken vehicular manslaughter.
- Arrangements announced for Michelle Eustis (Tuesday, April 12, 2011)
Michelle Eustis, 25, of Crete, Ill., died April 11, 2011, at Stroger Hospital in Chicago.
- Benefit account established for Heather France (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)
A benefit account has been established to assist with the medical expenses of Heather France, a groom who was injured in an accident earlier this week on the backstretch at Balmoral Park.