I wasn't there and I'm only going on what I heard, but I believe the dog died when it hit a ditch... Very sad...
Edit: Just found and read the letter. not sure how I missed it. Very very sad. Wish I hadn't read it. But now I'm wondering if it should be possible for handlers to walk the test before it runs. How could you do that without really screwing the test up? I've only run one test where I felt there was a danger. All of the handlers were concerned at setup with one portion of a ditch hidden by tall grass. We ribboned off the area so handlers would know it was there and could avoid it if necessary. It was up the middle of two falls and some dogs did occasionally veer in that direction, although I don't think anyone ever had to handle to avoid it. But, still, it's not worth the risk.
I agree with the author regarding judges responsibility. A friend had a similar incident last weekend at a hunt test up north. A dog he ran for a client suffered a concussion when it hit a hidden ditch. He doesn't feel either of the judges ever walked the test. That's a shame.
I'm glad for the letter, though. It will make me be even more judgmental in looking for dangers to our dogs.
-Kristie