The rodeo community is mourning the loss of one of their most talented young bull riders. 20-year-old Rowdy Swanson died Thursday from injuries he suffered after being thrown from a bull at a rodeo in Mineral Springs, Texas.
Swanson was competing at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s PRCA Rodeo when he was thrown from a bull and suffered fatal injuries. No other details about the accident have been made public. His death was announced on social media by Cody Hollingsworth, Swanson’s rodeo coach from Oklahoma State University where Swanson was majoring in animal sciences.
“With a heavy and aching heart, I am saddened to announce that the OSU Rodeo Team has lost one of our own, Rowdy Swanson,” Hollingsworth shared. “He was a big part of our rodeo family and he will be missed immensely. Our thoughts are with the Swanson family at this time.”
https://www.facebook.com/okstaterodeo/photos/a.283594245017871/3390316534345611
Swanson’s mother posted a tribute to her son on social media, saying:
“To [lose] a child is not something that any mother wants to feel. Honestly right now I feel nothing. I am totally numb and I am not sure how to process this. The outpouring of love and support has been immense,” Venessa Swanson wrote. “Rowdy Swanson was my oldest living son. His only dream was to be a professional bull rider. He and his brother Roper Swanson were at the stage in life where they were doing everything together including living together in Stillwater and attending college and working at a buffalo ranch. I always felt that Rowdy was over looked but he never aspired to be in the lime light.”
https://www.facebook.com/venessadswanson/posts/3714253218593869
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rowdy Swanson’s loved ones during this time.