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Mon 3rd Aug 2015

USPA star Will Tankard dies

Tragic road traffic accident also kills three horses

The American polo community is mourning the loss of Will Tankard of Aiken, South Carolina. The 31-year-old professional player died tragically along with his loyal canine companion, Chewy and three of his horses in a traffic accident on Thursday 30 July in Ohio, while travelling from Lexington, Kentucky to Darlington, Pennsylvania.

In a statement from the USPA he has been remembered as, “A true horseman and gentleman who set a wonderful example to our youth and was an inspiration to adults as well.” Will was a founding member of Team USPA, the 2002 and 2003 National Interscholastic Champion, the 2006 National Intercollegiate Champion, the 2012 and 2013 winner of the National Copper Cup, the 2013 winner of the National Chairman’s Cup, winner of the 2014 Bryan Morrison International Test Match at AEPC when the USA played England, and a member of the 2015 team that competed in the finals of the FIP World Championship.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Will has been described as, “A genuine, passionate and caring human being who found his way into the heart of our polo family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family especially his mom, Cissie Snow, his dad, Bill Tankard, his brother, Jason Melson, and his beloved partner, Samira Waernlund.”

A celebration of his life is being planned for a later this year (date to be determined) in Aiken, South Carolina.

 

Photograph: Will playing one of his ponies Aztec. By EHedley Photography


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