Greenwich Woman, 23, Killed In Horse-Riding Accident In NY

DOVER, NY — A 23-year-old Greenwich woman, who was a recent University of Connecticut graduate, was killed in a riding accident at a family farm in Dover, New York, on Monday, according to New York State Police.

Samantha Calzone, 23, of Greenwich, Connecticut, was pronounced dead at the scene after a horse she was riding reared up and fell on top of her, state police said in a statement.

Officers responded to the farm, which is located on Byrds Hill Road, around 10:45 a.m. Northern Dutchess Paramedics and the Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office also responded to the scene. State police said it is unknown why the horse reared and fell.

Calzone served as a mentor to others on the University of Connecticut Equestrian Team and was also the squad's captain.

In a May 2018 article by Naturally@UConn, Calzone said the UConn Equestrian Team "has been my family and my home..." She also spoke about her love of horses which began as a young child.

"So, continuing that passion in college was such a privilege. I met all of the best friends I have now through being on the team. I don’t know where I would be without the whole team as a support system."

"I was vice president of the team in my sophomore year and captain for both my junior and senior years. Being a leader of such a wonderful and talented group of students is such an honor. The people I have met over the years on the team have shaped my life and made me a better rider, horsewoman and person. I cannot thank the riders on UCET enough for what they have done for me," Calzone said in the 2018 interview.

On social media, Thomas M. Soranno wrote, "We are deeply saddened about this news and (extend) our utmost condolences to Sam’s family. We clearly remember meeting Sam about 4 years ago when our daughter was deciding on a college. Sam was our guide around UConn Animal Science. Sam was a first class young lady and UConn representative. She was an inspiration for us to realize UConn was the right school for my daughter. Sam, thank you, you will be forever remembered. God Bless."