Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star Georgina Lightning has died at the age of 63.
The actress and filmmaker was filming a documentary on the three-day Indian Relay event at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds in Canada where she was struck by a horse that veered off course.
Paramedics treated her at the scene, but police say she was pronounced dead.
Her former co-star Tim Healy was one of the first to pay tribute to the star, saying on X: ‘RIP Georgina, lovely lady and a pleasure to work with.’
The Enoch Cree First Nation added in a Facebook report that Georgina died ‘after an incident on [the] Indian Relay event at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds.”
Alberta RCMP confirmed police responded at 6:40 p.m. Saturday after being struck by a horse that went off course.
Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star Georgina Lightning, (pictured on the right) had passed away at the age of 63
Fellow Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star Tim Healy was among the first to pay tribute to the actress on X
The star was filming a documentary about the Indian Relay event in Canada where she was hit by a horse (Georgina pictured with her daughter Crystle)
Daily Mail has contacted Alberta police for more information.
According to local news sources, Georgina hit the horse while taking photos from a designated media area.
The actress played Lainie Proudfoot in four episodes on Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. She played a Native American girlfriend and later wife of one of the main characters.
Georgina also wrote, directed, produced and starred in Older Than America, which was released in 2008.
The show, based on her own school experiences, was dedicated to her father, George De Jong, who committed suicide after his experiences in the Canadian residential school system.
Georgina also starred in DreamKeeper, Blackstone, Trickster, Three Pines, Alaska Daily and Johnny Greeneyes.
Her three children, Crystle, Cody and William, are all in the acting industry.
In 1990, Georgina moved to Los Angeles with her three children to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
A heartbroken Crystle posted on Facebook shortly after the news broke: “Today she went to the spirit world and I am in shock. I’m devastated in every way possible.
‘I have lost my mother, my sons Kohkum, my matriarch, my role model, my confidante. That’s all I can say for now. I’m devastated.
‘How do I get through this and tell my son? How am I going to pick myself up off the floor and be a mother to him?
‘Please creator, help me, this can’t be real. It just can’t be real.’
She also shared some portrait photos that Georgina took two weeks ago.
Crystle wrote: ‘My beautiful mother two weeks ago. She didn’t like taking portraits, so I went with her for support.
‘I did her make-up and helped her with her wardrobe. Ryan Parker captured her mind.
Georgina poses with a cake in honor of her grandson Kohkum’s birthday
Crystle wrote on Facebook about her mother’s death
Her daughter regularly shared photos of herself with her mother, showing off their close bond
‘These photos represent her better than the photo circulating of a role she played in Trickster. I love you mom.”
Georgina’s good friend Kim Mathias wrote: ‘Like many across the country, I am coping with the loss of a dear friend. Seeing how many lives she touched helps some of the tremendous shock and sadness.
‘She was a firecracker in an industry that was difficult to break into as an NDN – a real NDN! She had determination, vision and the ability to turn those visions into reality. No matter the obstacles, she would find a way through them.
‘Most importantly, she was an absolutely great friend who came from an equally wonderful family.
“To Crystle Lightning, William, Cody Lightning and the grandchildren: I grieve with you. If we could take your pain away, I know everyone who loved her would.
‘Lean on each other and take care of each other.
‘Rest in peace, my friend. You will be greatly missed and I will forever remember our days in LA.
“I love you, Georgina Lynn Lightning.”
Another friend, Fabienne Grisel Grisel, wrote: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgina Lightning. She and her family were an important part of my life when I first came to the United States, and they will always hold a very special place in my heart.
“I will always remember their kindness and the role they played in my life at that time. This is truly heartbreaking news to hear today.
“My deepest condolences to the entire family, especially Crystle Lightning Cody and William. RIP Georgina.”
