Rodriguez had been driving at the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in Wellington yesterday, but is believed to have failed to negotiate a curb, causing him to crash into a concrete pillar.

The Toronto 2015 silver medallist later died in hospital of the injuries suffered in the crash, which occurred in the early hours of the morning.

A passenger, Sophie Walker, a talented amateur rider on the United States' national circuit, died at the scene.

“To lose two young athletes in this dreadful way is a terrible shock and our hearts go out to their families and friends,” International Equestrian Federation (FEI) secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“Andres Rodriguez was a world-class athlete and clearly a super star in the making, for his life to be cut short in this way is absolutely heart-breaking.”

FEI jumping director John Roche also paid tribute to Rodriguez stating "he sport has tragically lost one of its greatest ambassadors with the passing of Andres Rodriguez, and I have lost a dear friend, as indeed have many others.”

“Andres was a wonderful horseman and an amazing person with a very positive approach to life.

"He had a heart as big as Mount Everest, he will be greatly missed by us all.”

Rodriguez had been on course to compete at this Olympic Games, following his excellent performance at last summer’s Pan American Games.

Riding the horse Darlon Van Groenhove, he earned the silver medal in the individual jumping event after losing a jump off for gold with the United States’ McLain Ward.

Both riders had produced two clear rounds.

While his performance earned a Rio qualifying berth for his country, it also saw him rise into the top 50 in the world rankings as he ended 2015 in 41st position for show jumping.

Rodriguez, who also won medals at the Bolivarian Games and Central American and Caribbean Games during his career, had been scheduled to compete at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington.