Michelle Eustis, the 26-year-old daughter of Charles Eustis, III, the trainer of the undefeated St Elmo Hero, was killed in an accident on the Balmoral Park backstretch early this morning. The accident also left a caretaker seriously injured
.
Sources have told harnessracing.com that Eustis and groom Heather France were riding a horse bareback on the road parallel to the backside of Balmoral Park at approximately 5:00 a.m. when they were struck by a truck driven by Michelle Eustis’ husband, Angus Lake. She was airlifted to a local hospital where she later died; France’s injuries are unknown at this time.
Harnessracing.com has also learned that Lake, 41, was arrested and charged with drunken vehicular manslaughter.
Michelle is survived by her parents, Cynthia and Charles Eustis; daughter, Haylee Koifoid; brother, Cody; sisters, Taylor and Jaquelyn; niece, Payton Bernhal; half brother, Charles IV; and half sister, Tracey (David) Frost.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Hack Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Skyline Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to her daughter for an educational fund to be established.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Michelle Eustis.
(with files from Harnessracing.com and USTA)
My sincere condolences to
My sincere condolences to the Eustis family and my prayers go out to the girl who is still hospitalized.
If anybody would like to make a donation to the 7 year daughter of Michelle Eustis, the information is as follows:
Send all checks to:
Haylee Kofoid Benefit Fund
First Community Bank and Trust
1111 Dixie Highway
PO Box 457
Beecher, Illinois 60401
Gary Blackburn
My deepest sympathy's to the
My deepest sympathy's to the Eustis family Michelle was and will always be remembered as a great person my heart and prayers go out to her entire family.
Big Jim and his family are
Big Jim and his family are very sad to hear of this tragic accident and hope that Heather France recovers very soon
Unbelieveably tragic. May
Unbelieveably tragic.
May she rest in God's merciful arms.