Medieval Knight Reenactor Killed By His Own Lance In 'Freak Accident'

A popular medieval knight re-enactor died over the weekend after accidentally impaling himself during a performance in front of a crowd. 
Peter Barclay was competing in an equestrian game in Williamstown, Kentucky on Saturday when the fatal injury occurred. The military veteran attempted to spear a paper plate while on horseback when something went horribly wrong.
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The 53-year-old’s lance reportedly made contact with the ground and flipped, causing it to shoot under his sternum. Barclay, who performed under the knight name of Master Terafan Greydragon, was airlifted to a hospital but died on the way.
John Fulton, president of the Society of Creative Anachronism, told WLWT:

“Everybody that knew him is just dead stunned. His ability, his skill and his attention to detail and safety is just totaled. I’ve never had an injury on the field like this, ever, that led to something like this.”

Barclay’s brother, John, announced his death in a Facebook post later that day. While he called the incident a “freak accident,” John added that at least his brother “died doing what he loved.”
Our hearts go out to the performer’s loved ones. Read the full post (below) for more details: 

[Image via John Barclay/Facebook.]