Inspirational Eventer Passes Away Two Years After Horrific Accident

Debbie Miller Atkinson passed away peacefully, on September 30, 2008, at Vanderbilt Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee. Debbie was injured during an eventing accident two years ago, and suffered a severe spinal cord injury. Her courage and strength as well as her determination to be sure her life had meaning and purpose was an inspiration to all of those who had the privilege of knowing her through her difficult struggle to live.

Debbie gave her energies and support to the Equestrian Aid Foundation which for the past two years has helped with her assisted care. Her openess and honestly about her condition, as well as her spirit and ongoing love and passion for her sport, her animals, and friends was an inspiration to all of us who knew her. Debbie was able to attend The Kentucky Three Day Event, and more recently in River Glen Tennessee, and her passion and love of her life with horses never dimmed.

She is survived by her long time companion Michael Wright; and her mother Muriel Miller Pear. She was also the daughter of the late Dr. Maurice B. Miller. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Sherrington; and her brother and sister-in-law Frank and Marta Miller; and five nieces and nephews, and many friends and students, and caregivers who knew and loved her.

Debbie's ashes will be spread on her farm in Kentucky along with her beloved event horse Pantera, who died last year as a result of an accident in a field. It was her favorite place to ride.

It was Debbie's wish to have donations made in her memory to the Equestrian Aid Foundation. 

Source: www.useventing.com