French young dressage professional Gwendal le Stunff tragically passed away in a car accident on 3 March 2024. He was 27 years old.
France
Oirignally from Alençon, Gwendal lived in Gesvres in the Loire where his parents have their own breeding stable which mainly focuses on Lusitano breeding.
Between September 2018 and August 2020 Le Stunff did his apprenticeship to become a professional rider with French Olympian Jessica Michel-Botton at Haras de Hus in Le Petit Mars, France.
Germany
He moved to Germany and rode for Dressurstal Sandbrink as well as for private clients, building his own business LS Sporthorses.
His first competition in Germany was in June 2021 and he showed a string of horses at regional shows in Germany and Holland through October 2023. He qualified Nobilisyade NVDW (by Habanna x Fruhling) for 2023 Pavo Cup semi-finals in which he finished 53rd.
In December 2023 he moved to the Wahler's stallion station Klosterhof Medingen where he had picked up a riding position. The Wahler familu announced the passing of Le Stunff on their social media.
The station posted today: "It is with deepest and unbelievable sadness that we say goodbye to Gwendal le Stunff. Our French rider has been working with us since the end of last year. He was taken from life completely unexpectedly last weekend. With his open and cheerful nature, he quickly became an important member of our team. Both his riding skills and professional handling of the horses as well as his funny and cheerful personality leave a big gap. We will miss you, Gwen! Our condolences go out to his family and his girlfriend Pauline."
Car Accident
He wrote 'We all need a good reason to wake up
on the morning'
According to the Alhorn police "a 27-year-old from Uelzen drove into the car of a 38-year-old man from Bocholt for unknown reasons. The collision caused both vehicles to skid and come to a stop in the overtaking lane." Le Stunff was not severely injured at that moment until "a 51-year-old driver from Hamburg drove into the two vehicles. The 27-year-old was then fatally injured. The man from Bocholt and his passenger as well as the man from Hamburg were each seriously injured."
Three ambulances, an emergency doctor and the Wildeshausen fire department came to the scene but all help was too late for Le Stunff.
Le Stunff's funeral will take place on 15 March in the church of Gesvres, France.
Photos © Digishots - private
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