New Zealand’s prominent horse racing family has been hit by a heartbreaking incident, as a 10-year-old boy lost his life, and two other family members were hurt in an off-road vehicle mishap.

Tragically, 10-year-old Jimmy Schick succumbed to injuries following the accident, which reportedly occurred during a hunting excursion on the family’s estate near Cambridge, New Zealand, on Sunday.

Rodney, Jimmy’s father, endured severe injuries but is currently in stable condition. His 12-year-old brother, Oli, also sustained injuries but is ‘recovering well’ in the children’s ward.

A third child, understood to be a friend of the family, was also involved in the incident and is expected to be discharged from hospital on Wednesday.

Fire Brigade chief Dennis Hunt believes the six-seater ATV that the group were driving had rolled on its side during the hunting trip.

The group were subsequently airlifted to hospital for further treatment.

‘In incredibly sad circumstances, the family kindly asks for privacy as they come to terms with the devastating loss of their dearly loved Jimmy,’ a Schick family spokesperson said in a statement published on Facebook.

‘The Schick family and Windsor Park team express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love, support and concern during this most difficult of times.

‘Rodney is receiving the best possible care from the dedicated team in the Intensive Care Unit at Waikato Hospital and further updates will be shared as information becomes available.’

‘He is in a stable condition with a long recovery expected. Oli is recovering well with support from the amazing team in the children’s ward.’

The Schick family are regarded as royalty within the horse racing world. The family’s stable, Windsor Park Stud, is also admired one of the southern hemisphere’s most respected breeding organisations. 

They have also bred some of the finest horses in the business, including the former Aidan O’Brien-trained Auguste Rodin, Paddington and Circus Maximus.

Jimmy had attended the Kaipaki School in Ōhaupō, and was described by his principal, Kim Budd, and board of trustee member Lisette Balsom as a ‘much loved student’. 

In a statement released to Stuff, they said: ‘Our thoughts and aroha are with their whānau during this time of profound loss, including with other family members who are injured.’

The Schick family have now launched a GiveALittle fundraising page in memory of Jimmy and will donate the funds raised by the page to the Cambridge Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust. 

The family wrote on the page: ‘The Schick Family have been overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown at this extremely difficult time.

In lieu of any flowers or food the family has asked anyone who wishes to make a contribution, kindly make a donation to this Give a Little page. Rod, Oli & Jack who were rescued at the scene would love to personally distribute all funds to the amazing emergency services, Cambridge Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John Ambulance and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust who were truly amazing in our time of need. A huge thanks also to our local Police who were fantastic.

‘Our love, thanks and gratitude go out to them all.’

As of writing, the fundraiser page has received 724 donations, raising over $58,700 for the emergency services. 

Racing NZ Thoroughbred have also released a statement expressing their condolences to the family. 

‘Although we compete vigorously with each other no matter what part of our industry, we are still the racing family,’ the statement wrote.  

‘Our thoughts and prayers for you Jimmy, a Hall of Famer in the Lord’s house now and for your Dad to get better and your Mum, your family, your Grandparents and your Windsor Park family.’

They added that they were ‘again reminded of our fragile life and whatever our status is in horse racing, we are family.’