Young Texas Bronc Rider Dead After Being Stomped on by His Horse

A young rider was savagely killed after being thrown from his bucking horse at a rodeo in Abilene, Texas. 

SUFFERING A FATAL BLOW AT THE ARENA

26-year-old Skee Burkes took his last ride on September 9th after entering the West Texas Fair and Rodeo. According to accounts from spectators at the event, Burkes had fallen off his bronco and suffered a fatal blow when his horse stomped down on his head.

Emergency responders were nearby and quickly rushed to the scene after Burkes fell, but the fatal damage had already been done.  

KNOWN DANGERS OF THIS RISKY SPORT

Rochelle Johnson, executive vice president and general manager of the venue explained the known dangers of riding a "somewhat wild" animal, "Just happened on a somewhat wild animal, and so precautions with that are limited... It can happen in these kinds of events, unfortunately. We pray for this young man's family."

BURKES IN A NUTSHELL

Burkes was described by his mother as " The most talented, hilariously funny, artistic, musical, retro package." 

She goes on to say," From the day he was born all I ever knew to expect from Skee was the unexpected. This was unexpected."

ONE LAST RIDE OVER ABELINE

Friends and family were given a small ounce of relief after witnessing the following scene:

The caption reads, "Skee Burkes riding in the sky one last time over Abilene Texas." 

Only a day after his passing, the clouds formed a small opening in the shape of a cowboy riding his horse. 

Burkes's mother shared the images adding, "This cloud opening of my horseback cowboy is letting us all know he’s got us from above and just waiting for us on the other side of the gate. I hope this gives y'all as much comfort as it does me."