Jockey dies after Los Alamitos spill
Jockey Sam Thompson Jr. died Christmas Day, five days after he was thrown from a quarter horse after a race at Los Alamitos.
The 36-year-old rider had been on life support at Los Alamitos Medical Center since the accident last Saturday. Thompson’s family had him taken off life support Thursday, racetrack spokesman Orlando Gutierrez said.
Harems Dynasty, a 2-year-old filly, threw Thompson after finishing seventh in the eighth race. The Los Alamitos season ended Sunday.
Thompson, who lived in Long Beach, missed much of the 2008 season because of a broken foot.
He is survived by his father, Samuel; mother, Gloria; brother, Eric; and sister, Kim.
A memorial service is planned when the 2009 season opens Jan. 2.
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