The professional rodeo community is reeling from the tragic and untimely death of 24-year-old Dylan Grant, a promising bull rider who lost his life during a competition in Texas.
The devastating incident occurred on Thursday during the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls show, where Grant was participating in the second round of the event. What was expected to be another step forward in his rising career turned into a heartbreaking tragedy that has left fans, fellow riders, and loved ones in shock.
Grant, a native of Wyoming, had steadily made a name for himself in the rodeo circuit. With a career that began in 2018, he had already accumulated over $15,000 in earnings and was seen as one of the sport’s emerging talents.
A graduate of the University of Wyoming in 2023, Dylan Grant had clinched the bull riding title at the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo during his time as a student. His dedication and fearless spirit set him apart as he chased his dream of becoming one of the top bull riders in the country.
The Fatal Encounter with ‘Commander’
Dylan Grant’s fatal ride came at the hands—or rather hooves—of a bull named Commander. A formidable animal known for his power and aggression, Commander had earned a fearsome reputation in the rodeo world with a 100% buck-off rate over the past two seasons.
It was during this intense matchup that the tragic sequence unfolded. Grant was thrown off the bull mid-ride, and in the chaotic seconds that followed, Commander stepped on him, delivering injuries so severe that they proved to be fatal.
Emergency medical personnel responded swiftly. Grant was initially loaded into an ambulance and later airlifted to a hospital in Houston. Despite their best efforts, the young cowboy could not be saved.
The entire episode played out in front of a stunned crowd, and news of his passing spread quickly through the rodeo world and beyond. Tributes poured in from friends, family, and fellow riders, all mourning the loss of someone who embodied the spirit and bravery of rodeo.
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The PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) has since confirmed the incident and announced that they would be conducting a thorough review, as is customary after such events.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Dylan Grant, a talented bull rider from Pavillion, Wyoming who lost his life competing Thursday night at the Wharton County Youth Fair’s PRCA Xtreme Bulls event in Texas.
— Sean Gleason (@pbrceo) April 4, 2025
Dylan was blessed as an athlete – a… pic.twitter.com/ardVTBvg9f
While there are no clear indications yet of what may happen to Commander, it is worth noting that bulls involved in fatal accidents often remain on the circuit. Commander’s track record, both intimidating and impressive, highlights the inherent danger of the sport Dylan Grant loved so much.
The Dangers of Bull Riding and a Community in Mourning
Rodeo, and bull riding in particular, is a sport built on grit, tradition, and danger. Riders knowingly put themselves at great risk each time they mount a bull, and while the adrenaline and competition fuel their passion, the consequences can be deadly.
Dylan Grant’s death serves as a sobering reminder of these risks. It also comes on the heels of other serious incidents in recent months. Just weeks before Grant’s accident, another young rider, Tyler Kippes, narrowly survived after being gored in the chest during Rodeo Austin. He required emergency open-heart surgery and is still recovering.
Last year, 22-year-old bull rider Peter De Luna was also killed during a competition in Bandera, Texas, under similar circumstances—he too was trampled by a bull.
These repeated tragedies underline the brutal nature of the sport and have raised fresh concerns about safety standards, training protocols, and the potential need for improved protective gear or medical response systems at events.
Despite these tragedies, the rodeo community remains tight-knit and resilient. Mourning the loss of Dylan Grant, fellow riders, fans, and organizations have expressed their condolences and shared memories of the young cowboy.
Kendra Santos of the No Spin Rodeo podcast wrote a heartfelt message on Facebook, saying, “Our rodeo family lost a talented young cowboy last night.
There are no worthy words of sympathy at a time of such profound shock and sadness.” Similar sentiments have echoed across social media and rodeo circles, painting a portrait of a young man who was not just skilled but deeply admired and loved.
A Legacy Cut Short
Dylan Grant was more than just a bull rider—he was a young man chasing his dream with everything he had. He had already begun to make a mark in a highly competitive and physically demanding sport, earning respect through his performances, sportsmanship, and determination. His total career earnings may not reflect the full scope of his talent, but those who saw him ride knew he had the potential for greatness.
At the time of his death, Grant had earned $3,760 in the current season and a career total of $15,710. But for Grant, the reward wasn’t only in the money—it was in the thrill of the ride, the roar of the crowd, and the honor of competing at the highest level. The rodeo world is built on these values, and Grant lived them to the fullest.
The University of Wyoming community also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own. Dylan Grant had not only excelled in rodeo but also pursued his education with equal dedication. His former professors and classmates remember him as a bright, determined individual whose passion for bull riding was matched only by his kindness and humility.
What Comes Next for Commander and the Sport
As the rodeo world processes this latest tragedy, questions remain about the future of Commander, the bull involved in the fatal incident. Despite his lethal encounter with Dylan Grant, there is a strong possibility that Commander will continue performing on the circuit.
Bulls are rarely retired for causing injury or death, especially if they are high-performing animals with impressive statistics. However, PRCA has protocols in place for reviewing such cases and may issue fines or bans depending on the outcome of their investigation.
This situation brings to light a longstanding debate within the rodeo community: how to maintain the traditions and intensity of the sport while ensuring greater safety for riders. Some argue that improved training, mandatory protective equipment, or modifications to bull selection could reduce fatalities.
Others believe that risk is an inseparable part of the sport. What cannot be denied is that incidents like Grant’s death have cast a somber shadow over the rodeo circuit and will likely spark renewed discussion.
As the community mourns and remembers Dylan Grant, the bull riding world faces difficult questions. Can this sport be made safer without stripping away its essence? Can young riders be better protected while honoring the legacy of those who have fallen?
A Farewell to a Cowboy
There is no easy way to say goodbye to someone like Dylan Grant. In the prime of his life and career, he was taken from this world doing what he loved most. For the rodeo world, his loss is a deep wound, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unforgiving nature of the sport.
But beyond the tragedy lies a legacy of passion, courage, and ambition. Dylan Grant’s story, though cut short, will continue to inspire others. He rode with heart, gave his all, and died a cowboy’s death—brave, bold, and true to the path he had chosen.
As rodeos continue and bulls buck again, the memory of Dylan Grant will linger in every arena, every dusty rodeo ground, and every cowboy who dares to mount a bull. He is gone, but not forgotten—a rider whose final ride will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him and the sport he loved.