A 14-year-old boy has tragically died after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest during a bull riding at a rodeo in North Carolina.
As reported by the Daily Mail, teenage cowboy Denim Bradshaw was taking part in a bull riding event at the Rafter K. Rodeo on Saturday night (January 28).
However, after Bradshaw was thrown to the ground by the bull he was riding, the animal then stomped on the teen's chest, according to a spectator at the event. Two EMTs rushed to Bradshaw's side and performed life-saving measures.
Emergency services were also called to the venue. Tragically, attempts to save the teenager were unsuccessful, and Bradshaw was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Bradshaw's grieving mom, Shannon Bowman, has since taken to Facebook to pay tribute to her son, writing in a heartbreaking post: "Last night was the longest night of my life!! My beautiful handsome 14 year old son had went to be with the lord! I awoke in a nightmare for the rest of my life!
"I hate myself for this call but he was loving every second of it I never seen him so happy as I had seen him last night before his departure.
"Denim baby you did it!! You did that!! I’m so proud of your braveness and your courage! My lil cowboy I will love and miss you so much and I know God will take care of you."
Officials for Rafter K. Rodeo have also taken to the company's Facebook page to honor the teen cowboy, writing: "Everyone here at Rafter K Rodeo Company, LLC would like to give our sincere condolences to the family and friends of bull rider, Denim Bradshaw. Our sport is truly a family and we are so thankful for everyone that was there to help.
"We are thankful for our [on-site EMTs], paramedics and law enforcement that work so hard to care for the cowboys.
"This is a tragic event and words cannot describe the pain felt by this loss. We ask everyone to come together and pray for his family for comfort and healing in this difficult time."
Recalling the tragic incident, one attendee told WFMY: "I'm a single mom, I had spent these last two weeks saving my money to buy my son everything he needed for the rodeo. I wanted to make sure that he had everything he needed to be safe, but [Bradshaw's mom] has no idea that the next day her son wasn't going to be there with her."
A GoFundMe has since been launched by Bradshaw's sister in order to help fund funeral expenses.
The description for the online fundraiser reads: "No one expects to lose such a young soul, and we were not prepared. We graciously ask all who are able to please donate and send prayers for the family during this most difficult of times.
"Denim was 14 years old. He was a son, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, and a friend to all who were lucky enough to know him
"He leaves behind his mother, Shannon Bowman, father, Billy Bradshaw, and siblings, Braxton Knight, Triston Knight, Persephone Bowman, and Daylin Scott."
As of this writing, over $5,600 has been raised of the $15,000 goal.
Our thoughts are with Bradshaw's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
