San Antonio Bull Rider Dies Following Rodeo Accident in Bandera

A San Antonio bull rider has died after a tragic accident at a rodeo event in Bandera, where he was thrown off a bull and then stepped on, officials said. The 22-year-old, identified as Peter DeLuna, was participating in the Riding on Faith Rodeo Summer Series at Mansfield Arena when the incident occurred on the night of May 31.

Despite initially walking away from the arena, DeLuna collapsed shortly afterward, according to Bandera County public information officer Laurie Blanchard. "CPR was started right away and EMS, and the Sheriff’s office were called out to the scene,” Blanchard told KSAT. DeLuna was then transported by Bandera County EMS to the landing zone where he was later pronounced dead.

The Bandera County Sheriff's Office reported that DeLuna had landed on his neck after being thrown from the bull. The Bandera Bulletin disclosed that he was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Mike Towers. Following the tragic event, the rodeo organizers took to Facebook to express their sorrow.  "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that the Bullrider Peter succumbed to his injury last night. We are deeply saddened at this time and ask that your thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends." the rodeo's post read.

DeLuna's death casts a shadow over the Rodeo Summer Series, which is to continue every Friday night through July 26, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, break-away roping, and tie-down roping. The incident comes in the wake of another accident the previous Friday where a bull rider suffered a mild concussion, yet, was released from the hospital, the organizers reported.