Mum-of-two, 46, dies after being thrown from horse in front of horrified daughter as family pay tribute
A MUM has died in a tragic horse riding accident after being violently thrown from the saddle in front of her teenage daughter.
Mother-of-two, Donatella Mecchia, suffered a catastrophic head injury during a routine riding session near Milan on Friday.
Her daughter, Aurora, watched helplessly as Donatella reportedly suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
The 46-year-old doctor was rushed to the intensive care unit at Niguarda Hospital.
Despite their best efforts, the respected medic died shortly before 10am.
Her body was later taken to the Meda Funeral Home in Corbetta, where loved ones gathered to pay their final respects.
Donatella had graduated in medicine and surgery and went on to hold senior clinical and research positions throughout her distinguished career.
The devoted mum was also a highly regarded physician specialising in aesthetic medicine.
In the wake of her sudden death, tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends and former students.
Many remembered her as a dedicated teacher and warm-hearted personality whose “contagious sympathy” left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
The Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine described her as a “highly appreciated and recognised professional”.
A passionate horse rider and keen sportswoman, Donatella had personally rescued and adopted the horse involved in the fatal incident.
In a final act of generosity, she donated her organs, giving five people the chance of a new life.
She is survived by her husband, Marco Di Carlo, and daughters Aurora and Beatrice.
The tragedy is the latest in a series of fatal horse riding accidents.
On Friday, equestrian star Chloe Christina Smith died after a horse fell on top of her, according to the Boston Globe.
The 25-year-old was riding her horse, Cruze, when the animal became spooked and threw her from the saddle.
The horse then fell on top of her.
Her father said she was rushed to hospital but later died from her injuries.
Cruze, who suffered a broken neck in the incident, also died.
