After qualifying with eight seconds on bull 204, a teenage Azle bull rider jumped clear Saturday afternoon, but the 1,800-pound animal suddenly leapt, lost his balance and landed on the dismounted rider, collapsing the youth's lungs.
Doctors told the family that 15-year-old Austen Malone's injuries were not life-threatening. They were awaiting CT scan results at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth late Saturday to learn the full extent of the Azle High School freshman's injuries."The bull had bucked up again and lost his footing and fell on top of him. It crushed him," said his father, Danny Malone, director of the Texas Youth Bull Riders association, which sponsored Saturday's competition, the season's first event held at the North Texas High School Rodeo Association's arena in Saginaw.Austen's sister, Alisen Malone, 19, said injuries come with the sport."With bull riding you expect injuries," she said.Alisen Malone said this will likely not keep her brother from climbing atop another angry bull and competing in the future, doctor permitting.She recalled a special request Austen had made when he broke his tibia and fibula two years ago."When they were putting a cast on his leg, he asked the doctor to attach a spur to the back [of the cast] so he could still ride," Alisen Malone said.Austen Malone also plays football and is on his school's wrestling team, but bull riding is his passion, she said.Fellow Azle bull rider Trenton Richardson, 18, said he believes that Austen Malone will want to ride again. But some bull riders become "gun shy," fearing another injury."You can't let it bother you, or else it will stop your ability from riding," said Richardson, who has had five broken ribs, a broken wrist, shattered knees and a broken ankle.Susan McFarland, 817-390-7547Twitter: @susanmcfarland1Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
