King, North Carolina saw a tragic event occur on Saturday night when a 14-year-old boy, Denim Bradshaw, passed away after participating in a bull-riding event at the American Legion Post 290.
Director of Emergency Services in Stokes County, Brandon Gentry, confirmed that the cause of Bradshaw’s death was cardiac arrest after being knocked off a bull and getting stomped in the chest.
The event took place at the Rafter K. Rodeo Winter Series, and while the exact cause of Bradshaw’s cardiac arrest is unclear, it occurred while he was riding a bull.
Bradshaw was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The news of his death was met with heartbreak and condolences from friends, family, and the rodeo community.
Bradshaw’s mother, Shannon Bowman, released a statement expressing her heartache in the wake of her son’s passing, saying that “Last night was the longest night of my life” and “I awoke to a nightmare for the rest of [my] life.”
The Rafter K Rodeo Company, located in Union Grove, also released a statement expressing their condolences to Bradshaw’s family and friends, saying, “Everyone here at Rafter K Rodeo Company, LLC would like to give our sincere condolences to the family and friends of bull rider, Denim Bradshaw. This is a tragic event and words cannot describe the pain felt by this loss. We ask everyone to come together and pray for his family for comfort and healing during this difficult time.”
Bull riding is a dangerous sport and the passing of Denim Bradshaw serves as a reminder of the risk that participants take every time they step into the arena.
Our thoughts are with Bradshaw’s loved ones as they go through this difficult time and may he rest in peace.