Guy Avis, 76, a lifelong member of the Heythrop Hunt and performer with Giffords Circus, died accidentally on November 2, 2024, after falling from his horse Jasper during a trail hunt near Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire. The horse refused to jump a fence, causing Mr Avis to fall headfirst and sustain a fatal fractured cervical spine. Despite immediate medical attention and CPR, he was pronounced dead at 2:50 pm.

The Gloucestershire Coroner concluded the death was accidental, noting Mr Avis was an experienced rider using his own horse and tack. Friends and colleagues, including those from Giffords Circus, expressed their sadness and condolences, highlighting his long-standing involvement with both the hunt and the circus community.