Area Shocked by Tragic Loss of Beloved Equestrian Leslie Falco-Sullivan

By Edie Johnson

Leslie Falco-Sullivan with her daughter Desiree Storms

Equestrians in the Northern New Jersey and Orange County area have lost a special part of their hearts after hearing of a terrible motorcycle crash in Georgia during which Leslie Falco-Sullivan suddenly veered to the left on her Harley Davidson, down an embankment off I-75 and into the median and a guard rail which apparently killed her instantly, the Georgia Department of Public Safety saying the crash caused "catastrophic injuries"

Well known for her riding and teaching skills in several large equestrian show barns in the area, Leslie had nerves of steel and a heart of gold. She was talented in both Dressage and Jumping and had an incredible talent to teach young people to love the sport.

Having taught with her at Montclair Riding Academy 40 years ago, and keeping in touch as much as busy horseowners can, I never saw Leslie lose her temper or even be cross with either animals, friends, family or customers (though I'm sure that like all of us she must have had her moments). When I was fortunate to have a big new kind but bold cream colored horse named "Bojangles", I didn't hesitate to give Leslie a call, knowing she would be patient, to give me a hand with our first ride. Needless to say it was delightfully uneventful. Leslie hopped on him for a few minutes and then turned over the reins encouragingly for a ride that built both my horse and my lasting confidence and sense of partnership.

When family needed her she took up a second professional occupation serving as a Certified Surgical Technician in hospital care, putting her show and teaching career in 2nd place, though she maintained ties with it for the rest of her life and helped her daughter "Desiree" start a new barn in Warwick, Orange County New York, several years ago.

After meeting and marrying Jack Sullivan, Leslie and he embarked on over 10 years of a joyous journey that bordered on an extended honeymoon, except of course including a lot of work and family time.

Leslie and Jack

Both being motorcycle enthusiasts they went on adventure after adventure, Leslie even winning a trophy in a competition with her Harley. But her feats of bravery, which it bears repeating included an impressive showjumping and teaching career, never interfered with a sense of grace and being a lady and mother and trusted friend to all in her circle.

Always in the background, until her death 2 year ago, her mom, Argie Falco, was also a force to be reckoned with. Clearly Argie was a big part of Leslie's development of courage and stamina.This month began for Leslie with the anniversary loss of her mom, followed by an especially sweet time with Desiree and granddaughter Hannah on a horseback ride just before her 1st birthday which is later this week.

Leslie and Granddaughter Hannah Storms

Then came the ride on I-75 and the horrific crash.

Born to be an exceptional mom and grandmother, it is a saving grace that Leslie and Hannah had such great times together this past year, and have lots of photos of it for Hannah and Desiree's memory books.

Be careful out there. We applaud those who are able to have really fun and exciting times times, but some activities carry a big extra helping of danger. and the glorious freedom to be risky can end in tragedy in an instant.

But when I think of Leslie I remember 40 years ago, when we both taught beginner riding for children on ponies and a few more advanced classes. I see her walking alongside of Chumley, and Penny, and Beechnut and Annie, with children on their backs and smiling from ear to ear. And then I remember the first time I saw her jumping and thought "Wow, that girl can RIDE!" And I remember her then very small daughter Desiree, wide-eyed at all of the horses at Montclair so long ago, now with her own barn and daughter, wishing she could talk to her mom and ask her, "What can I do to ease this pain?"

Leslie's son, Colton Rogers, is of course also devastated. All handsome and grown up, I remember him well at about 7 years old visiting at Montclair Riding Academy with his mom and Desiree.

The family together, in happier times - Desiree,, Leslie's Mom Argie, her son Colton in front, and her husband Jack Sullivan at her left

Please keep Desiree and Hannah, Leslie's husband Jack Sullivan, Leslie's Son Colton Rogers, Son-in-Law Richard Storms and Grandson Joey in your hearts during these very diffficult days.

Leslie Falco-Sullivan - Age, 57

Certified Surgical Technologist (ST)

at Central Florida Regional Hospital

September 3, 2022 - Present

Certified Surgical Technologist (ST) at

Advent Health Daytona Beach

September 3, 2022 - Present

Former Business Owner at Equestrian Academy

February 2, 2000 - 2018

Former Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech) at Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, NY