A young girl has lost her life following a horseback riding accident at her home in Georgia.
Emily Buddin, 9, was rushed to hospital where she died following the incident at her family’s home in Reseca on July 25.
According to a GoFundMe that has been set up to help her family, local police, fire crews and ambulance crews battled to save her live following the incident.
Her father Brian has since hit out at the fundraiser made for his daughter, which has raised over $16,000, saying his name was removed from the beneficiaries.
Airing out his grievances on Facebook, Brian asked those who had donated money specifically to him to contact him so he could try claim it back.
He said: ‘Friends and family thank you for the out pouring of support over the last week.
‘We have been overwhelmed by the love, kind words and prayers. It’s been brought to my attention that the go fund me has been changed to just Emily’s mom.
‘Any money that is or has been sent to that for me will not be making its way to me. I did not set up the account and I have no say so over what is happening with it.
‘If you have sent money to me thru it please shoot me a message and I’ll see if I can do something about retrieving it.’
Emily’s obituary described her as having a ‘heart of pure gold’ and being ‘fearless, independent, and beautiful in every way.
It added: ‘Her energy could light even the darkest room. She inspired her entire community through her determination to be the best barrel racer she could be.
‘Her sibling are her world and she mothered them with the best of intentions no matter their age.
‘She was larger than life with a soft voice and an infectious soul lifting laugh. The loss of such a bright light has devastated so many.
‘She will be remembered by many through her purple cowgirl hat and in every rainbow. Enjoy the ride cowgirl we’ll see you soon.’
Since her passing, social media has been flooded with close friends and family paying tribute to the youngster.
In a touching tribute, Emily’s former horse riding teacher Kellie McNamara described her as being a ‘bubbly little girl’.
She said: ‘It was a pleasure every lesson to watch her fall deeper and deeper in love with western riding.
‘Emily was a bubbly little girl that always had a grin ear to ear. Excitement flowed out of her as she ran to the barn every lesson.
‘I loved watching Emily grow up in our western community. She was a gritty kid on a black and white pony giving it her all every run.
‘Hug your babies tight today and the Buddins in your prayers. Theirs a new angel among us and she wears a purple cowgirl hat.’
While another person added: ‘little Miss Emily Colleen was the sweetest, kindest, most loving soul. Fearless and strong willed with a beautiful heart.
‘There are no words that could ever ease your pain, but we send our deepest condolences and all our love.
‘We are forever blessed you allowed us to be a part of your family so many years ago. Rest In Peace Emmy.’