Bull rider killed in ‘severe accident’ at California event

FRESNO, Calif. — A 22-year-old professional bull rider from Brazil died in a “severe accident” during a competition Sunday, event organizers said.

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In a news release, the Professional Bull Riders touring group said that Amadeu Campos Silva died during a Velocity Tour event at the Save Mart Center in Fresno.

According to KNTV, Silva died when his spur got caught in a rope, pulling him under the bull. The animal, named Classic Man, stepped on his chest, causing what PBR called a “terrible wreck.”

Silva was taken to an area hospital, where he died, the Fresno Bee reported. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death, but did not provide any additional information, the newspaper reported.

“This was not an act of aggression,” PBR spokesperson Andrew Giangola told USA Today. “The bull was bucking in his normal pattern. Amadeu’s spur got hung up in the flank rope and he was pulled under the bull in a freak accident.”

“Amadeu was a rising star in our sport; a cowboy with so much potential on and off the dirt,” PBR Commissioner Steve Gleason said in a statement. “The entire PBR and western sports family extend our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to Amadeu’s family and friends. Please say a prayer tonight for them, and may Amadeu’s soul eternally rest in peace.”

Silva competed professionally in Brazil in 2017 and 2018, E! Online reported. In 2019, he made his U.S. debut during the PBR Velocity Tour in Edinburg, Texas, the website reported.

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