Animal-based sports always carry an added risk of injury that sometimes could also turn fatal. And when the animals weigh somewhere between 1100 lbs and 2200 lbs, the risk is significantly higher. Such is the case with bull riders and rodeo cowboys, who risk their lives on a daily basis to bring entertainment to all. As so happens, with higher risks, the list of fatalities also adds up. The most recent victim is a 19-year-old teenager from Canada.

The Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) was underway last weekend when 19-year-old Seth Saulteaux suffered a fatal blow while riding his bull. As the young soul passed away too soon, the bull-riding community paid their respects and tribute.

Yet another rodeo cowboy bites the dust, as bull riding remains a dangerous sport in North America

A Facebook post by Global Edmonton went, “Family and friends are mourning Seth Saulteaux, the 19-year-old bull rider who died during a weekend Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) event on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.” When the news first hit the Saulteaux family, it was as if they were electrocuted. The shock was palpable and only moments later, could they comprehend their bereavement.

“She called me when he collapsed and they were trying to revive him. Then I lost the signal”, said Raylene Saulteaux, Seth Saulteaux’s mother, to Global News. Needless to say, she and the whole family is devastated on hearing the news. However, it was never a life of regret for Saulteaux for choosing this path.

Saulteaux wanted to be a rodeo from his childhood days when he used to travel with his grandfather to rodeo events across North America. His granddad Marcel Saulteaux was a bull rider too and was instrumental in developing Seth Saulteaux’s interest in the sport. At age 14, Seth Saulteaux rode his first bull, and since then, he never stopped.

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He knew the potential risks fully well going into the rodeo life, but Saulteaux was too busy chasing big competitions. He went to the INFR’s main event in Las Vegas three times and wanted to ride the Professionals Bull Circuit someday. Unfortunately, fate had other plans for the young rider.

The bull riding community couldn’t believe how young the victim was

As the upsetting news spread from the Chiniki Rodeo Grounds on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, Saulteaux’s friends and family grieved. Also, grieving was the entire bull riding community. Here’s how some of them reacted:

“Heartbreaking- at least his final moments were what brought him joy – May he rest in peace”, wrote someone who was trying to find the positive moments for the deceased even in the grimmest circumstances.

“Condolences to his entire family”, wrote someone who knows what a huge loss it is to lose a teenage son.

“Just so sad. My heart aches for his family & his rodeo family. My deepest sympathy to all”, wrote another person who felt the pain of the Saulteaux family.

“RIP young man. He went doing what he loved”, wrote another person who once again was finding trying solace in the fact that at least Seth Saulteaux died doing what he loved and living a life doing that.

“Gone way too soon. My condolences to the family and friends”, wrote someone who acknowledged the unripe age at which Saulteaux passed away.

This tragic incident in Canada comes right on the heels of the passing of another 27-year-old cowboy in Nebraska. Although Terrel Vineyard and his ride died after being struck by lightning in Oshkosh, Nebraska, it also added fuel to the already ignited discussion worldwide on the dangers of such sports and therefore, its need. Saulteaux’s death is certainly going to keep the debate alive for a long time now.

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