Saintfield woman dies in tragic riding accident

Saintfield woman dies in tragic riding accident

2 November 2016

TRIBUTES have been paid to Saintfield woman Claire Lowe who died in a horse riding accident last week.

The 39 year-old died suddenly on Wednesday afternoon after falling from her horse on a hunting trip in the New Line area of Ballygowan. She is a daughter of the late Gerry Lowe, the former head of the Saintfield Development Association who died last December.

Claire, who managed the Mill House Equestrian Centre business in Saintfield, was a constable with the PSNI in Lisburn. She had been looking forward to marrying her fiancé, Doug Stevenson, well known for competing internationally in dressage despite losing his sight.

Claire’s mother, Adrienne (68), said her daughter “was just a brilliant girl, absolutely fantastic” and that there were no end to her talents.

“She could do anything from cooking to riding horses, she was up for anything. She was definitely an entrepreneur, always ready to go. Everybody’s devastated, they just can’t believe this has happened. We were all talking to her during the week” said her mother.

Claire’s bother Philip described his sister “as the most brilliant person he had ever met.” He said she was the “smartest, kindest and most fair and will be missed by hundreds for ever.”

Lisburn and Castlereagh City District PSNI Commander, Superintendent Sean Wright, added his condolences to his late colleague.

“Claire was an experienced and professional police officer with six years service,” he said.

“Claire was in the prime of her life. We all knew of her love for horses and for her sport but we also knew her for being a committed police officer who found challenge and reward in serving the local community and in keeping people safe throughout the Lisburn and Castlereagh District.”

Mr Wright continued: “Claire’s untimely death has caused shock amongst her friends and colleagues across PSNI. She will be very much missed by all of us and her loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come.”

Mr Wright added: “Our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this tragic and difficult time.”

Strangford Alliance MLA, Kellie Armstrong, offered her deepest condolences to the Lowe family and Claire’s friends.

“It is a tragedy that someone with so much to offer our society has been taken so suddenly in what is thought to have been a freak accident. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time,” she added.

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, also extended his sympathy to the Lowe family and said many people across the district will be remembering them in their prayers.

“The Lowe family is one of the most highly respected in the area. I knew Claire through her father Gerry who worked tirelessly on behalf of the people in Saintfield,” he continued.

“I offer my condolences to the family at this sad and distressing time and hope they will take comfort from the many kind words spoken about Claire since she lost her life last week.”

Ms Lowe’s funeral service was held at St Ignatius Parish Church in Carryduff last Saturday afternoon.