Tragedy at Texas Youth Fair: Rising Bull Riding Star Dylan Grant Dies After Rodeo Accident

The rodeo world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a promising young athlete following a tragic accident at a Texas youth fair. Dylan Grant, a 24-year-old professional bull rider from Laramie, Wyoming, has died after sustaining critical injuries during a competition at the Wharton County Youth Fair in Wharton, Texas.

The incident occurred on Thursday night during the second round of the Xtreme Bulls competition, an event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). According to officials, Grant was thrown from the bull he was riding and then trampled, suffering devastating injuries before emergency responders could reach him.

Medical personnel on-site quickly intervened, providing immediate treatment in an ambulance before airlifting Grant to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston. Despite their efforts, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital, the PRCA confirmed in a statement released Friday.

A Promising Rodeo Career Cut Short

Grant had built a strong reputation in the rodeo circuit over recent years. After earning his PRCA permit in 2018, he steadily worked his way through the ranks and officially became a PRCA member on February 14, 2024, by purchasing his competition card. Since entering the professional scene, he had earned more than $15,000 and gained recognition as a rising star in bull riding.

In 2021, he achieved a career milestone by winning the bull riding title at the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo while representing the University of Wyoming’s rodeo team. Grant graduated from the university in 2023 and was considered a bright talent with the grit, athleticism, and determination to go far in the sport.

A Community in Grief

News of Grant’s death has sent shockwaves through the rodeo community. Friends, teammates, and fellow competitors are expressing their sorrow and honoring his memory.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook, PRCA commentator and rodeo writer Kendra Santos wrote:

“Our rodeo family lost a talented young cowboy last night. Wyoming bull rider Dylan Grant was stepped on at the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls in Wharton, Texas. Medics worked on the 2023 University of Wyoming graduate in the ambulance at the scene. Dylan, 24, was then life-flighted to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston, where he was pronounced.
There are no worthy words of sympathy at a time of such profound shock and sadness.
Love and prayers to Dylan’s heartbroken family and friends from every single one of us.”

A Risk Every Cowboy Faces

While bull riding is a sport known for its danger and adrenaline, moments like these remind everyone of the very real risks involved. Riders like Grant dedicate their lives to the sport, often putting everything on the line for the love of the game.

Grant’s death marks yet another somber moment in rodeo history—a sobering reminder of both the thrill and the peril that comes with the profession.

Final Farewell

As tributes pour in from across the country, Dylan Grant’s legacy as a determined and talented young cowboy will undoubtedly live on. His commitment to the sport and the way he carried himself in and out of the arena will be remembered by all who knew him.

Further information about memorial services and family statements will be shared as details become available.