Oklahoma State University bull rider Rowdy Swanson, 20, dies after he’s bucked off at a Texas rodeo 

A member of the Oklahoma State University Rodeo Team has died after being injured when he was bucked off a bull at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s PRCA Pro Rodeo.

Rowdy Swanson, 20, was riding a bull named Gritty, who is owned by Rafter G Rodeo Co. in Terrell, when he sustained the fatal injuries on Thursday night in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Swanson was tossed from the bull soon after leaving the chute and one person who saw a video of the accident said the bull’s rear legs seemed to come down on top of Swanson right after he hit the ground.

A bullfighter is then seen quickly covering Swanson.

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Adult bulls can weigh around 2,400 lbs. 

Gary Lothridge wrote on Facebook that Swanson got up and tried to leave the arena and moments later paramedics rushed into the arena.

‘With a heavy and aching heart, I am saddened to announce that the OSU Rodeo Team has lost one of our own,’ Coach Cody Hollingsworth said in a statement about Rowdy Swanson. 

‘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.’

Swanson was studying animal science at the university in Stillwater and held a permit while he was attempting to obtain a PRCA membership card.

The rodeo finally took place last Thursday after it was postponed on April 1. 

‘The hearts of the entire rodeo community go out to Rowdy’s family in this tragic time,’ George Taylor, the CEO of PRCA, added. ‘We will continue to keep Rowdy and his family in our thoughts and prayers.’ 

The chairman of the event in Texas led tributes to Oklahoma native Swanson.

‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rowdy Swanson following injuries sustained at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s PRCA Pro Rodeo,’ PPCLA’s Rodeo Chairman Scott Fenner said in a statement on Friday. 

‘The entire Rodeo Committee and our rodeo family extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Rowdy’s mother Venessa, his brother Roper, and his entire family.’

‘Our rodeo family has gained another bull riding angel,’ Kendra Santos shared on Facebook. 

‘Prayers for the family and friends of college cowboy Rowdy Swanson of Duncan, Oklahoma, who died doing what he loved at the PRCA Rodeo in Mineral Wells, Texas, last night.’

His girlfriend shared pictures of the pair online as she remembered Swanson.

‘I keep trying to make sense of it but it just doesn’t. I love you so much rowdy,’ she wrote in one tweet. ‘Forever cheering for you, rowdy. you were so loved, sweet friend. God needed a great Cowboy, & he sure got that w/ you.’