What Famous Bull Rider Was Killed By A Bull? The most famous bull rider to be killed by a bull is Lane Frost, who died at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo on July 30, 1989.
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Lane Frost (1963–1989)
Key Details of Lane Frost’s Death:
- Date: July 30, 1989.
- Location: Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
- Circumstances: After completing a successful ride, Frost dismounted but was hit in the back by the bull, his ribs puncturing his internal organs.
- Legacy: Frost remains a legendary figure, remembered for his skill, humility, and the impact of his death on rodeo safety standards, including the eventual adoption of helmets and vests.
Watch Here Lane Frost Last Ride Video
- Incident: After completing a successful 85-point ride on a bull named Take Care of Business, Frost fell into the mud. The bull turned and hit him in the back with its horn, breaking several ribs that punctured his heart and lungs.
- Final moments: Frost famously stood up, took a few steps, and waved to his friend Tuff Hedman for help before collapsing. He was 25 years old.
- Legacy: His life was immortalized in the 1994 biopic 8 Seconds, starring Luke Perry. His death led to the creation and eventual mandatory use of the protective vest that is now worn by all professional bull riders.
Other Notable Bull Riders Killed in Competition
Brent Thurman
Watch Here Brent Thurman Last Ride Video
- Brent Thurman (1994): Co-founder of the PBR, Thurman died after being gored by a bull named Red Wolf at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas.
Mason Lowe
Watch Here Mason Lowe’s Last Ride Video
- Mason Lowe (2019): Currently ranked 18th in the world, Lowe died after stepping on the chest of a bull named Hard Times at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.
Dylan Grant
Watch Here Dylan Grant Last Ride Video
- Dylan Grant (2025): Most recently, the 24-year-old professional rider died after an accident at the 2025 Extreme Bulls event in Wharton, Texas, and died after being stepped on.
- Peter DeLuna (2024): A 22-year-old rider who died after being trampled at a rodeo in Bandra, Texas, in 2024.
What Happened at Cheyenne?
On July 30, 1989, Lane Frost rode the Brahma bull Taken Care of Business at Cheyenne Frontier Days, a major PRCA rodeo in Wyoming. The field was muddy from rain, and Frost rode out of injury #7 for his ride.
He held out for a full eight seconds, earned an 85-point ride, and then went down. As he came down, he was in the bull’s line of sight, and Taken Care of Business turned, stepped on Frost’s chops, and bent him over from behind with his right horn. The impact sent Frost into the mud, causing severe internal trauma.
Frost stood up, took a few steps, and motioned for help to his friend and fellow rider, Tuff Hedman, then fell face-first into the field. Medical personnel attended to him, but he died of severe internal injuries before reaching the hospital. No autopsy was performed, but it is believed that the bull’s horn, combined with his body weight and the soil, broke the ribs, severing a major artery.
Lane Frost’s Legacy and Impact on the Sport
Lane Frost’s death had a profound impact on bull riding and rodeo culture.
In 1996, the PBR created the Lane Frost/Brent Thurman Award, in memory of Frost and fellow rider Brent Thurman, who died of injuries sustained at the 1994 NFR, to honor the highest-scoring single rider at the PBR World Finals. That same year, the PBR mandated protective vests, a rule that eventually spread throughout the sport.
Frost is remembered in many ways:
- A bronze statue of him stands at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.
- He has been honored in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Bull Riding Hall of Fame, and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
- His cousin Shane Frost and nephews Joe and Josh Frost have continued the family legacy in professional bull riding.
Many current riders, including PBR champions, cite Lane Frost as a major inspiration and credit his legacy with making the sport safer and more respectable.
Carrying the Legacy Forward: The Culture of Safety
Today’s riders carry the legacy of Frost, Lowe and others into the field. The protective vest is often called a “Frost Ride” vest in silent tribute. Veteran riders acknowledge this debt. “Every piece of gear we use has been developed through blood and loss,” says one rider.
The sport also honors its fallen through awards and memorials. The PBR presents the Lane Frost/Brent Thurman Award for the highest-scoring rider at the World Finals. Additionally, the organization’s “Heroes and Legends” celebration honors those who have shaped the character and safety of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions: What Famous Bull Rider Was Killed By A Bull?
What famous bull rider was killed by a bull?
1987 PRCA World Champion Lane Frost was killed by the bull Talkin’ Care of Business at the 1989 Cheyenne Frontier Days.
How long do you have to stay on a bull?
In the PBR, helmets are mandatory for all riders born after October 15, 1994. Many experienced riders also choose to wear them voluntarily.
How are bull rides scored?
Why is bull riding so dangerous?
Bulls can weigh over 1,500 pounds and can move unpredictably. Riders are at risk of being thrown, kicked, or trampled, which can cause serious injuries.
What safety gear do bull riders wear?
Modern riders wear protective vests, helmets, and face masks, as well as cowboy hats, boots, chaps, and gloves, to reduce the risk of injury.
Was Lane Frost’s bull, “Takin’ Care of Business,” known to be aggressive?
The bull was not considered unusually dangerous. The incident was a tragic combination of muddy terrain, strange ups and downs, and unfortunate positioning.
Remembering Lane Frost
The story of Lane Frost is more than just a tragic accident. It is a powerful reminder of the courage, skill, and risk that define bull riding. His death led to real safety changes, from mandatory vests to improved medical response, helping to protect future generations of riders.
For fans and newcomers alike, understanding Lane Frost’s legacy – his championship season, his famous ride at Red Rock, and the impact of his final ride – gives the sport deeper meaning and honors the cowboys who give it their all for those eight seconds on the field.