Seven weeks removed from the accident in the Balmoral Park backstretch which claimed the life of her friend Michelle Eustis, Heather France, who herself suffered very serious injuries, has commented on the tragic April incident
.
During the early morning hours of April 11, Eustis, the 26-year-old daughter of St Elmo Hero trainer Charles Eustis, III, was killed while riding a horse bareback with France, 21, on the Balmoral backstretch. Horseman Angus Lake, who was alleged to be legally drunk at the time, allegedly hit the horse with his truck. Eustis was thrown from the horse and suffered head trauma before being declared dead at hospital. Lake has pleaded not guilty to four counts of aggravated driving under the influence and is still in jail.
An article by the Chicago Sun-Times has stated that France suffered a broken shoulder, leg and ankle and lost 'days' of memory. The horse reportedly sustained a severe gouge. The report also states that France, who is currently taking part in physical therapy, can barely walk and that she has been forced to leave school due to her injuries.
The report also contains some of France's final words to her friend before the tragic accident.
France told the Chicago Sun-Times that she plans on being at Lake's trial --- if there is one --- but only if she is a witness. She was quoted as saying, “I’m not going to come just to listen to it.”
(With files from the Chicago Sun-Times)
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