Young Bull Rider Dies After Being Bucked off Bull

MINERAL WELLS, TX – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association confirmed Friday the death of 20-year-old Rowdy Lee Swanson.

Swanson was competing at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s PRCA Rodeo in Mineral Wells, Texas when he was bucked off Rafter G Rodeo’s Gritty.

According to the PRCA, Swanson passed away from the injuries he sustained from the fall. 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rowdy Swanson at the ProRodeo in Mineral Wells, Texas,” said PRCA CEO George Taylor. “The hearts of the entire rodeo community go out to Rowdy’s family in this tragic time. We will continue to keep Rowdy and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Swanson was a PRCA permit holder from Duncan, Oklahoma. He was studying animal sciences at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

“With a heavy and aching heart, I am saddened to announce that the OSU Rodeo Team has lost one of our own, 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,” said Cody Hollingsworth, Coach of the Oklahoma State Rodeo Team.

The Palo Pinto County Livestock Association released the following statement on its Facebook page:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rowdy Swanson following injuries sustained at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s PRCA Pro Rodeo,” said PPCLA’s Rodeo Chairman Scott Fenner. “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.”