A 25-year-old man has died after being struck by a bull during a rodeo event on New Year's Eve.
The bull rider, who has not been named, was competing in Queensland, Australia at the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society’s New Year’s Eve Rodeo when the incident took place.
He had been competing in the novice bull ride when he came off the bull in front of hundreds of spectators at the event. The rider was unable to escape before the bull struck him, leaving him with serious injuries to his chest.
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Paramedics responded to the incident at the scene and gave treatment to the bull rider, after which he was transported to Warwick Hospital. However, he died of his injuries after arriving at the medical facility.
Organisers of the rodeo addressed the incident in a statement on the matter posted on Facebook, reading: "It is with great sadness that the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Inc wishes to confirm the passing of a competitor in the Novice Bull Ride at our 2022 New Year's Eve Rodeo.
"The Management Committee of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Inc extends their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the competitor."
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Organisers announced a fundraiser for the bull rider's surviving family members, saying: "In an effort to Support the family, the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society will be "Passing the Hat Around" today at our National Rodeo Association Ltd. Junior Rodeo to assist in any way we can financially for the family with funeral arrangements, and where possible, any long term care for the family.
"Please understand that this is a very difficult time for the family, the Society, the National Rodeo Association, and his fellow competitors, so we request that the privacy of the family is upheld at this difficult time."
Following the incident during the show, the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society shared an update saying its firework display would be delayed due to a 'serious arena incident'.
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"Thank you to our medical teams for all your hard work," the post added.
The Warwick Show has been running since the 1800s to promote 'promote the development of agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, mineral and industrial resources of the District'.
The show's website explains: "For this purpose, it was proposed to hold a Show in Warwick each year for the display of all types of livestock, agricultural produce of all kinds, wool, minerals and machinery, together with such objects of manufacture, produce or the arts, as may seem desirable."
Following the incident last night, police are now set to prepare a report on the 25-year-old man's death for the coroner.
Emily Brown