When 21-year-old Katie Simpson died unexpectedly in August 2020, the tight-knit showjumping community in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, accepted what seemed like a tragic but straightforward conclusion: the promising young jockey had taken her own life. But one local journalist wasn’t satisfied with the official narrative, and her persistent questioning would eventually expose a horrifying truth that shattered the veneer of a seemingly perfect sporting world.
The new Sky Original documentary DEATH OF A SHOWJUMPER, streaming from July 16, tells the shocking story of Katie’s murder in three gripping 45-minute episodes. What emerges is a disturbing tale of violence, coercive control, and the systematic abuse of a young woman who should have been protected by those closest to her.
Katie’s death initially appeared straightforward enough. On August 3, 2020, Jonathan Creswell – an influential champion showjumper, jockey, and horse trainer who was also her sister’s partner – drove an unresponsive Katie partway to Altnagelvin Hospital before transferring her to an ambulance. He told paramedics and police officers that Katie had attempted suicide, explaining the bruising on her body as injuries from a recent fall from a horse. Katie died in hospital seven days later without regaining consciousness.
But the local court reporter Tanya Fowles couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Katie’s case triggered memories of an old story she had covered – one with too many disturbing similarities to ignore. Her suspicions centered squarely on Creswell, whose position of influence within the showjumping community had seemingly protected him from scrutiny.
In February, Justice Minister Naomi Long announced an independent review into the case, acknowledging the serious questions raised about how the investigation was initially handled. The documentary arrives at a time when these institutional failures are still being examined and when Katie’s family continues to seek answers about what went wrong.
Directed by Niamh Kennedy and produced by Natalie Maynes, DEATH OF A SHOWJUMPER is a Walk On Air and Sky Studios production in association with Northern Ireland Screen. The series serves as both a tribute to Katie Simpson’s memory and a stark reminder of how domestic abuse can flourish in environments where power, privilege, and reputation provide cover for predatory behavior.
The three-part series streaming on Sky Documentaries offers viewers a disturbing glimpse into a world where appearances can be fatally deceiving. It’s a story that demands to be told, not just for Katie’s sake, but for all the young women who find themselves trapped in similar situations, hoping someone will finally listen and act before it’s too late.
DEATH OF A SHOWJUMPER will premiere July 16 on SKY.
THE MUMMY is coming to theaters Fri Apr 17.
Lee Cronin—the visionary behind THE HOLE IN THE GROUND and EVIL DEAD RISE—is back with an audacious, twisted retelling that`s already getting rave reviews. A young girl vanishes for eight years. When she finally returns, what should be a joyful reunion becomes a living nightmare.
Watch trailer now at irishfilmtv.com.
SNL UK IS BACK AND WE`RE LIVING FOR IT 🚨✨
Nicola Coughlan (yes, THAT Nicola Coughlan) is hosting on April 25th with the absolute legends that are @foofighters taking the stage 🎸
DERRY GIRLS fans, BRIDGERTON obsessives, this is your moment!
More Nicola at irishfilmtv.com.
Graham Norton is stepping into uncharted territory with THE NEIGHBOURHOOD—an ITV gameshow that`s about to flip the reality TV script entirely.
What happens when you put everyday people in extraordinary circumstances and ask them to compete against their neighbors for serious money?
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17 years old. A trip to Holland. Two Irish lads with big dreams and zero idea what was coming.
That`s where Ciarán Hinds and Liam Neeson bonded—and it changed everything. 🎬
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Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
72 hours. One decision. Everything on the line.
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🎬 THE YEAR OF ÉANNA HARDWICKE 🎬
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In cinemas THIS WEEK: a gripping true story of the infamous Northern Bank robbery. £26.5 million. Two families held hostage. No way out.
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BELFAST`s Jamie Dornan will host SNL UK this weekend.
Dornan, known for his role in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and THE TOURIST, will front the program alongside Brit-award winning band Wolf Alice.
The show marks the first British incarnation of the sketch series, which was created by Lorne Michaels and first launched in the US in 1975.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
In a brand-new interview, OUTLANDER star/executive producer, Caitríona Balfe, discusses THAT pivotal Season 8, Episode 3 scene where Claire saves a baby.
A must-watch for OUTLANDER fans!
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✨ Brendan Gleeson just reminded us why he`s one of the greats ✨
Yesterday at the London Standard Theatre Awards, Gleeson took the night for his performance in THE WEIR—and honestly? there`s no one else who could have done it quite like him.
This is an actor who doesn`t perform. he breathes into the role. he becomes it. soul-deep, nuanced, the kind of characterisation that makes you forget you`re watching acting at all.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
