LEDYARD, Conn. (AP) – A 15-year-old Ledyard girl has died after being struck by a horse inside a neighbor’s stable.

Lauren Candler, a sophomore at Ledyard High School, died Tuesday.

The girl had been working inside a stable owned by neighbor Curren Landsiedel Monday evening when she was hurt, authorities said.

She was discovered inside a stall, lying on her back, unconscious, not breathing and without a pulse just after 5 p.m.

It appeared that a horse had lunged forward and struck her, pushing Candler’s face and head against a wall of the stall, said Fire Chief Alexander Mrazik Jr.

Superintendent of Schools Michael Graner said counseling is being offered to Candler’s classmates.

“I can tell you that the school community, at this time of year, this young woman’s passing has had a devastating effect on school, students and teachers alike,” Graner said. “I’ve talked to people who are extremely distraught.”

—

Information from: The Day, http://www.theday.com

AP-ES-11-23-05 1116EST