The Central Park carriage horse that dropped dead on a Manhattan street suffered from a small tumor that likely led to a deadly aortic rupture, the union representing carriage drivers said Friday.
The horse, named Lady, crumpled to the ground in Hell’s Kitchen — just a block away from her stable — after she had only done two rides Tuesday afternoon, stoking renewed outrage from animal rights activists.
The preliminary results from the necropsy indicate the 15-year-old horse had a small tumor in her adrenal gland that likely caused an aortic rupture, according to a statement from TWU Local 100.
“This was a tragic and sad loss, and we are all mourning Lady’s death,” a statement from the union said.
“However, at least we now have some answers. The reality is that this sudden-death medical episode would kill a horse anywhere — in a field, park, stable, trail, or street — at any time.”
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine confirmed staff performed the examination Wednesday, but declined to provide further details.
The average lifespan of a horse is roughly 25-30 years.
The city’s Health Department, which oversees carriage horses, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
