Guy Avis, a 76-year-old veteran horse rider from Oxfordshire, died after falling from his horse during the Heythrop Hunt foxhound event near Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, in November 2024. The coroner ruled his death an accident caused by injuries sustained when his horse, Jasper, refused to jump a fence, causing Avis to fall headfirst and suffer a fractured spine. Avis was an experienced rider with over 60 years of hunting experience and had served as the “Singing Secretary” of the Heythrop Hunt for 28 years.

Following his death, the Heythrop Hunt Club and the British Hound Sports Association paid tribute to Avis, highlighting his long-standing dedication, humor, positivity, and deep knowledge of hunting. The club described him as a cornerstone of their community, emphasizing that few could remember hunting there without him. His funeral was held in December 2024, and he is fondly remembered for his love of the sport and his contributions to the hunting community.