Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Jumping Mechelen provides lights, reflective bracelets, and safe-route maps for riders after Haley’s death. Organisers, including Gunther Van Lent and Paardensport Vlaanderen, also share mental health support.
As VRT News reported, Jumping Mechelen is taking extra safety measures for its annual Christmas event. All riders will receive lights and reflective bracelets to improve visibility on busy roads. Organisers will also provide a map showing a safe route from the parking lot to the Nekkerhal.
How is Jumping Mechelen honouring Haley and promoting rider safety after her death?
The steps come after an accident last year in which a young rider named Haley died. Gunther Van Lent, the organiser, said,
“Haley’s tragic death remains a deeply unfortunate accident that should never have happened. We think about it every day, especially today, exactly one year after the incident.”
“Together with Paardensport Vlaanderen, we are therefore handing out a reflective bracelet and a light with the hashtag #GlowForHaley to all riders at the show jumping,”
Gunther Van Lent said.
Jumping Mechelen is also drawing attention to mental health resources. People struggling with suicidal thoughts can contact the Suicide Line at 1813 or visit Zelfmoordlijn.be. Those who need support at any time can call Tele-Onthaal at 106 or chat online at www.tele-onthaal.be. Young people can reach Awel at 102 by phone or chat at awel.be.
On December 26, 2024, 18-year-old Haley, who lived in Beringen, lost her life in an automobile accident. Haley was riding home from the Christmas Jumping event at the Nekkerhal on a scooter with a friend when they were struck by a motor vehicle travelling at a very high rate of speed.
Emergency personnel arrived very quickly; however, Haley was dead at the location of the accident. Her friend, a 19-year-old female, suffered severe injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
The driver of the vehicle, a male from Keerbergen, fled the scene of the accident and was later apprehended by local law enforcement; however, he subsequently committed suicide that same evening.
