A young mum killed in a freak horse-riding accident was enjoying a quiet break from the demands of motherhood when her life was tragically cut short.
Katie Hacche, 25, had gone to Little Mill Equestrian Centre in Carmarthen on Saturday morning – but never made it home.
The qualified hairdresser and mum-of-one had been on maternity leave, caring for her baby boy Theo, who she welcomed with partner Daniel Duggins, 27, just nine months ago.
Paramedics battled to save her for more than 90 minutes after she fell from her horse in the warm-up area, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
She and Daniel, her childhood sweetheart, had only recently moved into a new home together as they started life as a family. Daniel had just begun a new job as a bus driver with First Cymru.
Now he is left facing the future alone – raising their baby without her.
Fighting back tears Daniel said: ‘It’s hard. I’m just grateful he’s so young and doesn’t realise what’s happened. He’s OK.’
In a simple tribute on social media, he posted a photo of them together alongside a broken heart emoji.
The family are now preparing to say their goodbyes at a funeral service, while the devastated riding school where she died plans to hold a memorial in her honour.
The family have rallied around to make sure that neither he nor the baby are left on their own. A GoFundMe page for the grieving family has raised more than £1,800.
Police confirmed Katie’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Daniel’s uncle, Mark Rees, paid tribute to Katie, calling her ‘bubbly, outgoing, and a devoted mum.’
‘She loved riding – it was her main love in life apart from her baby and her family,’ he said.
‘She died doing something she loved. I believe it was instant, despite the best efforts of those around her.’
‘But the most tragic thing of all is that she leaves behind a nine-month-old baby. Dan’s world has been turned upside down. His soulmate has been ripped away from him.
‘It’s so unexpected. It was the start of their life together. They were young sweethearts so it’s desperately sad. He was besotted with Katie.
‘She was very bubbly, a very outgoing person and a totally devoted mother to the baby. She took to it like a duck to water – both she and Dan were absolutely amazing with the baby.’
Her uncle, Mike Fussell, added: ‘Anyone who knew Katie would agree she was a well-loved member of our family and her circle of friends. RIP our beloved Katie – you’ll always be in our hearts and minds.’
Friends described her simply as ‘just the nicest person.’
In a statement, Little Mill Equestrian Centre said they were ‘heartbroken and in shock’ at what had happened.
‘Our hearts go out to Katie’s family. She was such a lovely person and a joy to watch ride here over the years,’ they said.
‘We simply cannot put into words how we feel. Even on a quiet day doing the sport you love, there is always risk. We’d like to thank our first aiders, the paramedics and the Welsh Air Ambulance for everything they did.
‘We ask that Katie’s family are given privacy and respect during this incredibly difficult time.’
A Dyfed Powys Police statement read: ‘Police were called to an incident at Little Mill Equestrian Centre on Saturday, April 12, at around 10.20am.
‘Sadly, a 25-year-old woman died at the scene. Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.
‘The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for H.M Coroner.
‘A referral has been made to the local authority’s Health and Safety department.’
