Famed polo player Carlos Gracida died Tuesday night after sustaining a head injury in a freak polo accident. He was 53.
The Polo Hall of Famer, originally from Mexico, was injured playing during a tournament at Everglades Polo Club. According to reports, another player inadvertently hit Gracida’s horse in the head with a mallet. The stunned horse whipped its head around and hit Gracida’s head, knocking him unconscious. The horse rolled on top of Gracida after he fell off.
Gracida was flown to Delray Medical Center where he later died. He reportedly suffered bleeding and swelling on the brain and never regained consciousness.
Tweets are pouring in from across the world reflecting on Gracida’s death. He taught Prince William and Prince Harry how to play and was reportedly Queen Elizabeth’s favorite polo player.
Polo has lost a legend…our thoughts go out to Carlos Gracida’s family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/3XAE8qWbem
— US Polo Association (@PoloAssociation) February 26, 2014
