Harness Racer Hunter Myers Dies After Tragic Crash In Pennsylvania (UPDATE)

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

The harness racing community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 27-year-old driver Hunter Myers, who died early Thursday morning, March 21, after suffering critical injuries in a racing accident at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Myers, an Ohio native, was originally from Williamsport, Ohio, and later lived in Chagrin Falls. He attended Westfall High School and Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, graduating in 2016, according to his social media.

A lifelong horseman, Myers began driving Standardbred horses at just 5 years old and was competing professionally by age 16, according to his family. Racing ran deep in his blood, a tradition he proudly carried on.

In a 2014 social media post, he wrote about the pride he felt representing the Myers name in the industry after a successful day of racing in Xenia, Ohio:

"Had a great time seeing family and enjoyed carrying on the Myers name in the horse business. I guess you can say it's a tradition… I tell you one thing, MYERS will be in the racing life forever, so be watching for them green, black, and white colors out there on the track."

A Devoted Father And Partner

His fiancée, Chloe Fisher, shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering Myers as her best friend and the love of her life, as well as an incredible father to their young son, Hayden.

"You never left without giving me three kisses & then texting me 'I love you' before you got down the driveway & telling Hayden 'bye baby I love youuuu' & kissed him until he belly laughed," she wrote. "I know you’d tell me to stay strong & I got this. I’ll raise our little boy to be just like you, F word & all. Watch over us, honey. I love you forever & ever."

Tributes Pour In

In addition to his family and friends the racing community is speaking out.

Hollywood Casino at The Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association released a joint statement expressing their condolences:

"Hunter was a rising star in our industry. The Meadows racing community, and the entire harness racing industry, are deeply saddened by this tragic event. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his fiancée, Chloe Fisher, and son, Hayden Myers, during this time."

The Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association echoed these sentiments, stating:

"Hunter was a young star and was taken too early from us. The OHHA sends prayers and condolences to Hunter’s fiancée Chloe, their son Hayden, and Hunter’s family and friends."

The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame added:

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Hunter Myers and send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Western Pennsylvania and Ohio harness racing communities as they navigate this tragic loss."

The Meadowlands Racetrack also honored Myers, stating,

"The Meadowlands stands united with the entire racing community in mourning the loss of Hunter."

The Standardbred Owners Association of New York shared,

"When tragedy strikes the industry, it affects us all very deeply – Hunter Myers was an exceptional young man, an outstanding horseman, and was taken way too soon at 27 years old. The SOA of NY extends their most sincere condolences to Hunter’s family and friends during this very difficult time."

Fundraiser Launched

In response to the overwhelming support from the racing community, Jessica Hallett announced a fundraiser selling T-shirts to benefit Myers’ fiancée and son.

"I’m going to listen to everyone asking and sell shirts with ALL proceeds going to Hunter Myers' family, Chloe, and Hayden," Hallett shared. "They will be $20 plus shipping (no shipping needed for Saratoga people or most NY tracks I can send with someone). Please reply here or message me sizes and orders so I can get a head count and proper order number."