CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (WAVY) — A Chincoteague pony, a filly named Ellie, has died after an injury sustained over the weekend.

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department says Ellie’s fatal injury happened Sunday evening, likely the result of a kick from another pony.

She was the first foal in several years from her mother, “Wildest Dreams,” and was one of the buybacks in this year’s pony auction. That means she returned to neighboring Assateague Island after this year’s pony auction to live in the wild with the herd.

“We are constantly reminded that life in the wild is fragile and although we manage these ponies there are factors beyond our control,” fire department said. “It is a really sad day for us and the pony community as we were greatly looking forward to this filly’s life on the island and her contribution to the herd.”