Girl, 19, dies after falling from horse

TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Tiverton Police confirmed that Cayla Almy, 19, of Tiverton, died after suffering injuries in an equestrian accident this weekend.

The Tiverton High School graduate was riding on a trail behind Walter E. Ranger Elementary School with a family member Sunday afternoon - when her horse bucked, throwing her to the ground.

Neighbors rushed to Almy giving her CPR until rescuers arrived.

"I don't know what spooked the horse, but something spooked it and she got thrown off," said Richard Yamiolkowski.

She was med-flighted to Rhode Island Hospital with serious head trauma, dying a short time later.

"I've been anxiety all night me and my wife, this accident....I'm kind of shooken up right now," Yamiolkowski said.

Former classmates say the news is especially tough because Almy's father also passed away a few years ago.

"I think it's enough tragedy for any family," said former classmate Derek McCoy.

Eyewitness News has learned that Almy worked two jobs; one at a local assisted living facility and another at a tanning salon.

School officials say grief counselors will be on-hand this week to help students cope.