In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the rodeo community, 24-year-old Dylan Grant tragically lost his life during the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls event in Texas on April 3, 2025. Grant, a talented bull rider from Wyoming, was performing in front of approximately 2,500 spectators when he was bucked off a bull named Commander and subsequently stepped on, suffering fatal injuries.
Witnesses describe the harrowing scene at the event, where Grant was the last rider of the night. According to event announcer Robert Blue Jeanes, it appeared that Grant's hand got stuck in the rope as the bull bucked him off. "The cowboy whipped underneath the bull, and the bull stepped on his neck," Jeanes recounted, expressing his disbelief at the tragic turn of events.
Immediately after the incident, paramedics rushed to the scene, and despite the chaos, Grant managed to stand and run to the corner to meet them. He was quickly transported to an ambulance and then airlifted to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston. Unfortunately, despite the swift response from medical personnel, Grant succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Grant's untimely death has left a profound impact on his friends, family, and the rodeo community. Principal Justin Walker from Wind River High School, where Grant graduated, remembered him fondly, stating, "Dylan was a great young man." Grant was a star athlete, having won the bull riding championship at the Wyoming High School Rodeo Finals in 2018, and was known for his infectious smile and kind heart.
After high school, Grant pursued his passion for rodeo at Sheridan College and later graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2023 with a degree in Physical Education. The University of Wyoming Rodeo Team expressed their condolences, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Dylan’s father, Wade, and Dylan’s mother Tiffany during this unthinkable time. Dylan was a champion of life inside and outside of the arena. Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy."
Grant was not just a competitor; he was a beloved figure in the rodeo scene, having formed friendships with many young cowboys and cowgirls from the surrounding areas. Jess Ruby, whose children compete in high school rodeo, described him as having "the biggest, brightest smile, kindest heart ever and was a wonderful role model." The sentiment was echoed by many who took to social media to share their memories and condolences, highlighting the positive impact Grant had on those around him.
Cyd Davidson, a lifelong family friend, expressed her grief, saying, "Oh, I’m just sick. I can’t believe he’s gone." This sentiment was shared by many in the community, illustrating the deep loss felt by those who knew Grant. Wharton County Youth Fair President Tammy Wied confirmed the details of the incident, reiterating the tragic nature of the event and the loss to the rodeo community.
As tributes continue to pour in, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) issued a statement mourning Grant's death, noting his accomplishments in the sport. Grant had earned over $15,700 throughout his rodeo career and was known for his competitive spirit. The PRCA highlighted his achievements, including winning the bull riding title at the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo and his success at various other events.
The rodeo community is known for its close-knit nature, and the loss of a young talent like Grant has resonated deeply. Many are coming together to support his family during this difficult time, with calls for prayers and condolences flooding social media. Kelly Lynch, a University of Wyoming alumnus, shared, "Dylan was one of my first friends at UW and was always so kind with the goofiest loving personality. Even after graduating, I’d still see him at rodeos and he was so friendly and would always say hi. My heart is absolutely broken. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to his family in this devastating time."
In the wake of this tragedy, the rodeo community is reminded of the risks that come with the sport, as well as the importance of supporting one another in times of loss. Dylan Grant's legacy as a talented bull rider and a beloved friend will not be forgotten, and his story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
As the rodeo world mourns the loss of one of its own, tributes and remembrances will continue to honor Dylan Grant's memory, celebrating not only his achievements in the arena but also the warmth and kindness he brought to those around him. The thoughts and prayers of many remain with his family, friends, and the entire rodeo community as they navigate this profound loss.
