By Kathy Smith

A horse and rider were struck by a Canadian National Railways train just outside Rayleigh in Kamloops, BC, on Sunday morning, January 12, 2020. Sadly, the horse, Rory, was found dead at the scene, and the rider, Jordan Camille, is recovering in hospital with numerous injuries including a broken shoulder, a concussion, and a lacerated kidney. Camille was attempting to find horses that had been reported to the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc band as being in distress. Weather conditions at the time were blizzard-like with limited visibility.

Emergency personnel on the scene of the accident on January 12, 2020. Photo: Nathan Ritchie

Kamloops RCMP report that the incident happened around 10:30 am at a train crossing near Highway 5 and Devick Road. Reports indicate that the train personnel spotted the horse on the tracks from about 100 metres, but the train was unable to be stopped in time. The accident halted road and rail traffic until noon while police investigated and cleared the scene.

Family friend, Michelle Ikwumonu, has created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover living and medical expenses while Camille, who makes living as a horse trainer and operates Camilles Horsemanship, recovers from his injuries. The fundraising goal is $15,000 and can be found online here: GoFundMe. 

Our thoughts and prayers go to Jordan Camille and his family.

- With files from CTVNews.ca, Globalnews.ca, Kamloopsthisweek.com

Main Photo: Jordan Camille with Rory, the horse he was riding at the time of the accident. Photo: Camilles Horsemanship