Oklahoma State University student killed in bull riding accident at North Texas rodeo
Rowdy Lee Swanson, an Oklahoma cowboy, was killed in a bull riding accident on Thursday night at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s PRCA Rodeo in Mineral Wells. He was 20.
According to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, which sanctions the annual Mineral Wells rodeo, Swanson died Thursday following injuries sustained that night while competing. Swanson was bucked off of a bull named Gritty, which is owned by the Rafter G Rodeo Co. of Terrell.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rowdy Swanson at the ProRodeo in Mineral Wells, Texas,” PRCA chief executive officer George Taylor said in a statement. “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, who is from Duncan, Oklahoma, is classified as a permit holder, which means that he was attempting to earn a PRCA membership card. He also was a student at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he was studying animal science.
“With a heavy and aching heart, I am saddened to announce that the OSU Rodeo Team has lost one of our own, Rowdy Swanson,” Cody Hollingsworth, OSU rodeo program coordinator and head coach, wrote on the team’s Facebook page. “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.”
The Palo Pinto County Livestock Association posted a statement about Swanson’s death on the rodeo’s Facebook page on Friday.
“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 Rodeo Chairman Scott Fenner said in a statement. “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.”
This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 5:28 PM.