SISTERS, Oregon: A bull at the 84th Sisters Rodeo in Oregon escaped its enclosure, injuring three people before being captured by wranglers. The incident occurred on June 8 night as the crowd was singing along to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” with cellphone flashlights illuminating the arena.
As the bull, named Party Bus, roamed the arena, it unexpectedly jumped the fence, causing chaos in the concession area and parking lot. Videos posted online showed the bull knocking over a garbage can and lifting one person off the ground, spinning them before they hit the ground.
The Sisters Rodeo Association reported that three people were injured by the bull’s actions, two of whom were transported to a local hospital. Rodeo livestock professionals quickly secured the bull and placed it in a pen near the livestock holding area.
Deschutes County sheriff’s Sergeant Joshua Spano confirmed that several ambulances were dispatched to the scene. One patient with non-life-threatening injuries was taken to a hospital, and a deputy sustained minor injuries while responding to the incident.
Danielle Smithers, a rodeo attendee, captured the escape on video. She recounted, “And about 30 seconds into it I stopped and I looked at it and I thought to myself, ‘this is just too beautiful not to have a video,'” Smithers said. She shut off her flashlight and started recording as the bull made its way around the ring before jumping the fence.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) acknowledged the incident as a rare but inherent risk of the sport. “PRCA sends our thoughts and well wishes to those who were injured or otherwise impacted by this frightening and very rare incident,” the association said.
Officials from the Sisters Rodeo have not commented on whether an investigation will be conducted. Despite the incident, the rodeo’s final performance on June 9 proceeded as scheduled.
Sisters is located approximately 23 miles northwest of Bend, Oregon.
