A young man has died after being injured in the Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation.
The young bull rider was bucked off and fatally injured while competing at the Chiniki Rodeo Grounds at around 5 p.m. Sunday.
The three-day Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) wrapped up late yesterday.
Homer Holloway, a committee member for the Canada Day Rodeo said "He was the third last one to come out. He had a helmet on, but the helmet didn't even break, he got hit on the head with a bullhorn, and he was thrown. He got up and the bull hit him again on the chest."
The gateman helped him up and he walked to the bucking chute. He was then transported to the hospital by EMS, but Holloway said the 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries en route.
He said the entire weekend went smoothly up until that point. He said there was no alcohol on site, no issues. "It was a really good rodeo."
Holloway said it's a tragedy for the whole community. "The young man has been riding bulls, he's been riding steers since he was a little boy."
The victim was from Maskwacis, about 75 KM northeast of Red Deer.
"After the rodeo was over, some elders came and did a prayer for him and the family and the stock contractors. At a later date, we will plan something for him," said Holloway.
"We don't know when the creator calls us home. That's what the elders told us when they did a prayer for him. He left this world, loving what he likes doing."
Tue, Apr 30, 6:30 PM
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