Air force leader killed by horse
The New Zealand Defence Force has named air force Squadron Leader Anthony Enright as the Manawatu¯ man who died after being kicked by a horse.
The 60-year-old, who died at his Beaconsfield home on Wednesday night, was described as a ‘‘friendly, down-to-earth and genuine man’’ who served in the air force for more than 40 years.
Enright and wife Catherine owned Kashami Arabian Stud since about 2012.
The couple recently moved to the Benson Rd address, about 20 kilometres north of Feilding.
Emergency services were called to the house at 7.20pm on Wednesday, but Enright had already died of his injuries when the first ambulance crew arrived.
A family spokesman at the house confirmed the incident.
‘‘It was a horrendous accident. It was pretty bloody quick.’’
He said family were gathering at the house and had requested space.
Neighbours, all some distance from the property, said they knew little about what had happened aside from seeing emergency services drive past on Wednesday evening.
Enright joined the air force in 1974 as a pilot flying Orion aircraft.
At the time of his death, he was the manager of the tactical operations centre at Ohakea.
The New Zealand Defence Force extended its sympathies to the family.
‘‘Squadron Leader Enright served New Zealand with pride. He will be remembered as a friendly, down-toearth and genuine man, as well as one of outstanding ability. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and all who knew him,’’ a spokeswoman said.
‘‘The RNZAF, especially the Base Ohakea community, extends its deepest sympathies and support to his family and friends.’’
Police are still making inquiries.