Tree hits, kills trail guide on horseback

BROWN COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources released the following press release about a tree falling and killing a trail guide who was on horseback leading a tour.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal accident that killed Chelsea Ann Lovett, age 20, of Granger, Indiana, a horse rider in Brown County State Park.

The victim was employed as a trail guide by the Brown County Guided Trail Ride concessionaire at the Saddle Barn in the park.

The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 pm Sunday as the victim was riding a horse and leading a guided trail ride that originated from the Saddle Barn on the north end of the park property. Shortly into the ride, a dead tree fell catching the limb of a second tree that then fell and struck the victim.

The victim died at the scene.

A second person was transported to Bloomington Hospital with minor injuries sustained when thrown from a horse when the incident occurred.

Agencies also on the scene include the Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance, Nashville Fire Department, Nashville Police Department, and Brown County State Park personnel with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks and Reservoirs.