He died as a result of injuries from being thrown from a horse he rode on December 20th. Arguably the most famous track related fatality in horse racing history, was the death of Harness Hall of Famer Billy Haughton who died in 1986. Haughton was one of the sport's legends and my father knew him.
Jockey Sam Thompson Jr. died Christmas Day, five days after he was thrown from a quarter horse following a race at Los Alamitos.
The 36-year-old rider had been on life support at Los Alamitos Medical Center since the Dec. 20 accident. Thompson's family had him taken off life support Thursday, medical center spokesman Orlando Gutierrez said.
Harems Dynasty, a 2-year-old filly, threw Thompson after finishing seventh in the eighth race. The Los Alamitos Race Course season ended Dec. 21.
Thompson, who lived in Long Beach, missed much of the 2008 season because of a broken foot.
He is survived by his father, Samuel, mother Gloria, brother Eric and sister Kim.
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Horse Racing, Obituaries
Comments (2)
HELLO FAMILY OF SAMMY;<br /... (Below threshold)1. Posted by DOUG VAN CLEAVE | January 3, 2009 8:42 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
HELLO FAMILY OF SAMMY;
HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. I DID ALOT OF HORSES TEETH FOR SAMMY AT MOUNT PLEASANT MICHIGAN TRACK WITH RANDY RUSSELL. SO SORRY FOR ALL OF YOU MY HEART IS WITH ALL OF YOU. MAY GOD WITH ALL OF YOU AT THIS TRYING TIME.
SEE YOU ALL;
DOUG AND SUE VAN CLEAVE
1. Posted by DOUG VAN CLEAVE | January 3, 2009 8:42 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on January 3, 2009 20:42
2. Posted by Debbie Hunter | January 23, 2009 11:24 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
To Sammy's Family I wish to express my sincere condolances! I met Sammy when I was working for the McArthur Family in San Antonio.He will be missed by the Quarter Horse Industry!
2. Posted by Debbie Hunter | January 23, 2009 11:24 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on January 23, 2009 11:24