What happened to Dylan Grant? Tributes pour in as Rodeo star dies at 24

Dylan Grant, a professional rodeo star hailing from Laramie, Wyoming, died after suffering a freak accident at the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls competition in Wharton, Texas, on April 3, 2025. Dylan, aged only 24, suffered serious injuries during the competition. It was in the second round when a bull bucked him off and stomped him, where his neck was seriously injured.

Grant was immediately flown to Houston's Hermann-Texas Medical Center as soon as the medical team arrived. Grant breathed his last as his wounds were too severe, though efforts were made to stabilize him. The whole of the rodeo and bull riding world is shocked by the news of his passing. Condolences and tributes came pouring in for the young athlete from his family, friends, fans, university, and organizations.

Dylan Grant was a rising star in the world of rodeo. He bought his card and formally became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) on February 14, 2024, after obtaining his permit 6 years ago in 2018. He participated in many PRORODEO and Xtreme Bulls competitions over his career, winning over $15,710 in cash. Grant won the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo bull riding title while competing for the University of Wyoming rodeo team in 2021, where he excelled as a performer.

He obtained a degree in 2023 in Physical Education Teacher Education from the University of Wyoming. His old rodeo team called him "a champion of life inside and outside of the arena." They issued a statement on Facebook,

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dylan’s father, Wade, and Dylan’s mother, Tiffany, during this unthinkable time. Dylan was a proud 2023 graduate, earning his degree in Physical Education Teacher Education. Dylan was a champion of life inside and outside of the arena. Once a Cowboy, Always a Cowboy.”

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Safety Measures in Bull Riding after Dylan Grant's death

The sudden passing of Dylan Grant has rekindled debates about safety in bull riding, a dangerous sport where accidents are regular. The PRCA claims that the organization regularly examines severe accidents and has stringent safety procedures in place. The athletes are mandated to wear protective gear like helmets and Kevlar vests.

In an interview, Dylan Grant's father, Wade Grant, highlighted that Dylan was wearing a customized hockey helmet and Kevlar vest at the time of the tragedy, referring to it as "a freak accident."

In an interview with ABC News, Wade Grant said,

“He got his neck stepped on. He ran out of the arena and then straight to the ambulance with these injuries... Dylan was double tough.”

With these wounds, he fled the arena and went directly to the ambulance. Dylan was quite resilient. He said that Dylan was fulfilling his dream and was completely aware of the hazards, despite the inherent dangers.

The sport has witnessed its fair share of tragedies despite the absence of serious accidents. According to research recently conducted, deaths are extremely rare but catastrophic when they do occur, with head and neck injuries being the most prevalent injuries during rodeo events.

The PRCA has committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation into the occurrence and assessing if any modifications to the present safety regulations are required.

In a statement to Fox News, they said,

"Our focus right now is to offer comment to Dylan's family and to everyone in the rodeo community who was affected by this unfortunate incident. The PRCA has procedures to review all serious incidents to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our contestants and animals."

It continues,

"The outcome of that review may determine that financial fines or expulsion from future competition is necessary. We just don't have those answers yet."

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Tributes and Legacy

After the rodeo world and beyond learned about Grant's death, condolences chimed in. In a statement, the PRCA expressed its deepest condolences. The statement read,

"The PRCA would like to send its thoughts and prayers to bull rider Dylan Grant's family, friends and the entire rodeo/bull riding community after Grant passed away after suffering injuries Thursday night during the Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls event in Wharton, Texas. Grant was 24."

His former rodeo team from Wyoming expressed their sadness and stated,

“Dylan was a champion of life inside and outside of the arena. Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy.”

PBR CEO Sean Gleason also noted,

"He was known for his kindness, compassion and big heart. His spirit touched everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of knowing Dylan."

Wade and Tiffany Grant are left to mourn Dylan Grant, their son. Dylan and his family acknowledged the dangers of the activity but said that "Dylan was living his dream."

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