“Our Hearts Hurt”: Teenage Bull Riding Incident Prompts Heartfelt Tribute by Loved Ones

Along with the thrill it induces, Bull Riding also poses a multitude of dangers to its pursuers. But, despite its dangers, it has a thrill and sense of adrenaline that attracts young teens towards the sport. The young enthusiasts get a sense of achievement with a display of courage and strength in the face of uncertainty. But, sometimes even after taking care of the safety measures, an accident in the bull riding arena gives an unexplainable pain.

Along similar lines, a teenage boy from Coalgate, Oklahoma, was participating in a bull-riding event at a rodeo and fell prey to an unprecedented accident and lost his life in the process. Following the mishap, many came forward to express their eulogies for the young rider. More so, the school where he used to study also took a moment to pay their homage to the 16-year-old.In a social media post, the school shared its sorrow and remembered the student who once walked in its corridor.

Teen dies in a tragic bull-riding incident

The 16-year-old Derby Gearheart was competing in a bull riding competition in the Ward Rodeo Co. Series Finals at the McAlester Roundup Club Arena. During his ride, he bucked off and came under the bull.

Following the mishap, he was transferred to the McAlester Regional Health Center but he later died due to the incident. The incident has disheartened the local community and the Coalgate Public Schools shared an emotional statement on Facebook in tribute to Derby Gearheart. The Facebook post was titled, “Our Hearts Hurt“.

In the brief statement, they stated that the local school community has suffered a loss which raised concerns among the locals. Hence, to address this concerns, the post also shared a number of Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, where they can call or text and get free and confidential support.

In the end, they shared that they are saddened and will work to help the staff and students. Derby Gearheart, who met a tragic fate surprisingly, had worn the protective gear and walked out of the arena after the incident before being attended by medics.

The teen had worn the safety kit at bull riding

Derby Gearheart was a walk-in at the rodeo event. He was wearing a protective helmet and gear during the ride. During the performance, he fell off and the bull stepped on him, but the teen stood up after the incident.

He hurried out of the arena while the bull was kept busy by the bull riders. Help was summoned, and the police arrived before the ambulance. They saw the teen lying on the ground and coming in and out of consciousness.

Read More: Despite 18-Year-Old’s Terrifying Bull Ride, Popular PBR Event Ends in the Most Unusual Way

The ambulance arrived and then he was transferred to the hospital for further treatment. An account was set up at the First Bank to accept donations for the benefit of Derby Gearheart. However, the 16-year-old fell prey to the ferocious haunches of the bull and lost his life in the end. It indeed was one heart wrenching episode.

Watch The Story: Professional Bull-Riding Witnesses Stunning Feat as Rodeo Father and His Three Sons Get Their Short at 2023 World Bull Riding Finals