Horse hit and killed at Assateague Natoinal Seashore making it the third incident this year

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. – On Tuesday night at 7:30, an 18-year-old solid bay stallion, N9BFNY, Sir Gruff, was struck and killed by a car on Route 611 Causeway on Assateague Island National Seashore.

For freelance photographers like Ann Richardson, Assateague Island feels like home and after all the time spent photographing these beloved horses on the island, the sad news of losing another stallion hits hard. “We lost Sir Gruff, he was 18 also, you are out here enough you get to know them, and people think it’s weird but it’s like losing a friend because that’s my photographic subject, “Richardson says.

Since 1982, 19 horses have been killed on Route 611 causeway. Despite the speed limit being reduced back in August, an incident like this, still manages to be a problem.

After the news of Sir Gruff’s passing broke out on Facebook, an outcry of comments came rolling through that this needs to stop. While some are asking for fences or speed bumps on the causeway, others say visitors need to be more mindful.

A long-time visitor, Bryan Gaquin says, “You got to be aware ,just like the deer on the road. If they jump out in front of you it’s hard to avoid but you have to be aware.”

The Assateague National Park says it is not known if speed was a factor. They do not have any further information to provide at this time as the investigation is still ongoing.