The harness racing community is reeling after the loss of a young racer.
Following a crash Wednesday afternoon during a horse race at The Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington County, Ohio native Hunter Myers, 27, was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
Myers was driving in the race when an incident involving six horses took place, according to a social media post from track announcer Roger Huston.
In a video posted in February by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, Myers said he’s been racing since he was 16. He’s raced nearly 20,000 times.
Organizations across the racing community have publicly expressed their condolences to Myers’ family.
The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association called Myers a “young star.”
“The OHHA sends prayers and condolences to Hunter’s fiance, Chloe, their son, Hayden, and Hunter’s family and friends,” a statement read.
According to the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association, Myers hit a milestone of 1,000 wins when he was 24.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Hunter Myers, and send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Western Pennsylvania and Ohio harness racing communities as they navigate this tragic loss,” said the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in a statement.
Following the accident, the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association announced that racing has been cancelled for the rest of the week.
In a joint statement with Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association offered condolences and prayers to Myers’ family. They echoed the OHHA by calling him a rising star.
“Our racing community has suffered an unimaginable loss. Hunter Myers was a daily part of many of our lives,” the statement read.
The organization is offering grief support to association members who may need it. They’ve posted resources on their social media.