Credit: THEPALMER / Getty

Dylan Grant, 24, was “bucked off” a bull named Commander during the second round of the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls show on Thursday (April 3).

Moments later, the 2000lb bull stepped on Grant, delivering fatal injuries, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) reported.

The Wyoming native was rushed into an ambulance and later airlifted to a hospital in Houston, where he sadly died from his injuries.

Robert Blue Jeanes, the event’s announcer, told Cowboy State Daily that Grant’s ability to move and the paramedics’ quick reactions were a sign that he would survive his injury, but they were devastated after learning later that the rider had died.

Tributes have poured in for the 24-year-old star. Credit: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

“We’re just upset,” Jeanes told the outlet. “Sad and heartbroken for the kid and the family. For everybody that was there, it was just terrible.”

One of Grant’s longtime family friends, Cyd Davidson, said she was made “sick” by the news of the cowboy’s passing and could not believe he was gone.

“He was an absolute, awesome guy,” Davidson said, per The Independent. “He was so kind and so compassionate, and he was just a family-oriented kid.”

Kendra Santos, of the No Spin Rodeo podcast, also issued a heartbreaking message on Facebook which read: “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,” she added.Grant had been riding bulls since 2018 and had already carved out a name for himself in the sport. He earned $3,760 in winnings so far this season, with career earnings totaling $15,710.

While studying at the University of Wyoming, where he graduated in 2023, he took home the bull riding title at the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo.

“We are deeply saddened to hear this news about one of our former student-athletes,” UW spokesman Chad Baldwin said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Grant earned his license to participate in PRCA events on May 1, 2018, and competed in multiple PRORODEO and Xtreme Bulls events during his career.

It’s unclear what will happen to the bull that killed the 24-year-old. The animal had a 100% “buck off” rate over the past two seasons, meaning every rider who mounted him was thrown off, but it’s not uncommon for bulls with fatal histories to remain active on the circuit.

“This was a very unfortunate incident,” the PRCA said in a statement to the New York Post. “The PRCA has procedures to review all incidents to ensure safety for our contestants and animals. The review may end in financial fines or expulsion from future competition if necessary.”Members of the rodeo community have taken to social media to share their condolences with Grant’s loved ones.

“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, the CEO of the PBR, penned on Instagram.

“Dylan was blessed as an athlete – a state champion from Jackson Hole High School and a proud University of Wyoming alumnus – but more than that, he was known for his kindness, compassion, and big heart. His spirit touched everyone who knew him.”

Gleason concluded: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of knowing Dylan.”

Friend Makayla Shae Seely paid tribute in a Facebook post, writing: “Many years of my life were spent alongside Dylan Grant.

“I could share a million pictures and stories. We shared way too many laughs & quite a few cries together through the good times and the not so good. Through him, I gained so many friends and a whole new family that I never knew I was missing. His chapter in my story shaped my life into what it is today. He was always the life of the party, the kindest soul, and most importantly – an incredible friend. I will always look back on our time together & smile. I feel so lucky to have been one of his people.”

The University of Wyoming Rodeo Team also honored their former teammate with an emotional statement, which read: “The University of Wyoming Rodeo Team is heartbroken in learning of the passing of former student-athlete Dylan Grant, who tragically lost his life in a bull riding accident in Texas.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dylan’s father, Wade, and Dylan’s mother, Tiffany, during this unthinkable time. Dylan was a proud 2023 graduate, earning his degree in Physical Education Teacher Education. Dylan was a champion of life inside and outside of the arena,” they said. “Once a Cowboy, Always a Cowboy.”

Our thoughts go out to Dylan’s family and loved ones at this time.