Key takeaways:

• Irish jockey Michael O'Sullivan passed away at age 24 after injuries from a fall during a race.
• He was critically injured on February 6 at Thurles Racecourse and had been in intensive care.
• The racing community mourns his loss, honoring his contributions and talent.
• O'Sullivan's family decided to donate his organs to help others in need.
• Tributes from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board highlight his dedication and popularity.

Irish jockey Michael O'Sullivan has died following serious injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles Racecourse on February 6. The 24-year-old rider passed away in the early hours of Sunday, surrounded by family at Cork University Hospital, where he had been in intensive care since the incident. Dr. Jennifer Pugh, the Chief Medical Officer of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), confirmed his passing, saying the family had made the decision to donate his organs, a choice that will "make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families."

During the unfortunate incident, O'Sullivan was riding Wee Charlie and was one of three fallers at the final fence during a heated competition. Following the fall, he received immediate medical attention on site before being airlifted to hospital for further care. Channel News Asia reported that he had won 90 races in Ireland along with five in Britain over his career, which began in earnest in 2018.

The news of O'Sullivan's death has sent shockwaves throughout the horse racing community, eliciting heartfelt tributes from peers and officials. Darragh O'Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, described O'Sullivan as "an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weighroom." As a mark of respect, racing fixtures scheduled for Sunday at Punchestown and additional point-to-point races in Ireland were canceled, mourning the loss of a beloved athlete in the sport.

O'Sullivan had recently gained fame for his significant achievements, including victories at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, highlighting his rapid rise in the racing world. His dedication and humble nature left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed within the racing community. For more information about his achievements, visit BBC.