Bull rider killed in Texas rodeo

Rider was studying animal sciences at Oklahoma State University

Rowdy Lee Swanson, Oklahoma bull rider killed in Texas lat week (Rowdy Swanson/Facebook)

A bull rider and Oklahoma State University (OSU) student has been killed at a competition that took place in Texas last week.

Rowdy Lee Swanson was thrown from his bull at the ProRodeo in Mineral Wells, Texas, reported ABC News.

It was unclear what specific injuries Swanson suffered at the event organised by the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association.

Announcing the death of a rider, OSU’s Rodeo Team said they had “lost one of our own.”

“With a heavy and aching heart, I am saddened to announce that the OSU Rodeo Team has lost one of our own, Rowdy Swanson,” wrote Cody Hollingsworth, in a statement on Twitter.

“He was a big part of our rodeo family and he will be missed immensely,” he added. “Our thoughts are with the Swanson family at this time”.

Swanson, who was from Duncan, Oklahoma, was said to have been studying animal sciences at OSU’s Stillwater campus.

George Taylor, CEO of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, said he “was deeply saddened” by the accident.

“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,” he added.

The Palo Pinto County Livestock Association also addressed Swanson’s death, reported ABC News, saying “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.”