Beloved horse killed in S.J. hit-and-run

Police in South Jersey are investigating the hit-and-run of a treasured horse in Vineland.

NBC10 broke the story; read it here.

Kassey, a chestnut mare, was killed Thursday near her owner's home along East Forest Grove Road, according to the report. Former jockey Nestor Mendez adopted Kassey 25 years ago when they both retired from racing.

Kassey apparently broke through a fence and wandered out onto the road after she was spooked by a falling tree branch, Mendez told NBC10. Mendez said he learned Kassey was dead when an animal control officer appeared at his house with her halter.

Police found a side mirror near the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call Vineland police.