The rodeo community is mourning the tragic loss of Dylan Grant, a 24-year-old bull rider from Laramie, Wyoming, who died following a severe accident during the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls event in Texas on Thursday evening, April 3, 2025. Grant, who had been a passionate competitor in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Xtreme Bulls events, was thrown off a bull during the second round of the competition.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, transporting Grant to an ambulance where medical personnel worked tirelessly to stabilize him. Despite their best efforts, he was airlifted to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston, where he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The PRCA expressed its condolences in a heartfelt statement, saying, "The PRCA would like to send its thoughts and prayers to bull rider Dylan Grant's family, friends and the entire rodeo/bull riding community after Grant passed away after suffering injuries Thursday night during the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls event in Wharton, Texas." This sentiment resonates deeply within the rodeo community, where the impact of Grant's loss is profoundly felt.
Grant started his bull riding journey in 2018 and had been riding professionally for just over a year. Throughout his career, he participated in multiple ProRodeo and Xtreme Bulls events, accruing over $15,710 in prize money, including $3,760 this season alone. His achievements also included winning the bull riding title at the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2021.
As a standout member of the University of Wyoming rodeo team, Grant graduated in 2023 with a degree in Physical Education Teacher Education. The university released a statement mourning his loss, describing him as "a champion of life inside and outside of the arena." The team expressed their heartbreak and extended their thoughts and prayers to Grant's family during this unthinkable time.
Friends and family took to social media to remember Grant, describing him as "the life of the party" and "the kindest soul." One heartfelt post noted, "The rodeo world is a small one, and the bull riding world is even smaller. But within it, Dylan made a big impact." Another friend expressed disbelief, stating, "We never imagined we'd get the call saying Dylan didn't make it home at all." These tributes highlight the profound impact Grant had on those around him.
Grant's father, Wade Grant, shared details about the incident, explaining that his son suffered a neck injury after being stepped on by the bull. He described Dylan as "double tough" and referred to the incident as a "freak accident." Despite the inherent dangers of bull riding, Grant always took precautions, wearing a hockey helmet and Kevlar vest during his rides.
The rodeo community is not unfamiliar with the risks associated with the sport. A study published in the Kansas Journal of Medicine found that head injuries are the most common among rodeo athletes, reported in approximately half of the patients treated at trauma centers over a decade. Another article in Sports Medicine highlighted that bull riding is responsible for the highest proportion of rodeo injuries. This reality adds a layer of gravity to Grant's tragic passing.
In light of this incident, the PRCA has stated that they will review all serious incidents to ensure the safety of contestants and animals alike. A spokesperson mentioned, "Fatal injuries in rodeo are extremely rare, and our focus right now is to offer comfort to Dylan’s family and to everyone in the rodeo community who was affected by this unfortunate incident." This review may lead to procedural changes to enhance safety measures in the future.
As the rodeo family comes together to honor Dylan Grant's legacy, tributes continue to pour in from across the community. Kendra Santos, a rodeo podcaster, expressed her sorrow on social media, stating, "Our rodeo family lost a talented young cowboy last night. Dylan was stepped on at the Wharton County Youth Fair Extreme Bulls in Wharton, Texas. Medics worked on the 24-year-old University of Wyoming graduate at the scene. There are no worthy words of sympathy at a time of such profound shock and sadness. Love and prayers for Dylan’s family and friends from every single one of us."
Grant's passing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by bull riders and the deep connections formed within the rodeo community. As they reflect on the life and legacy of Dylan Grant, many will remember him not only for his talent as a bull rider but also for the kindness and joy he brought to those around him. His impact will be felt for years to come, as the rodeo community continues to rally in support of his family and honor his memory.
