Mason Lowe death: Witnesses describe deadly ride of bull rider at PBR Denver event

Mason Lowe death: Witnesses describe deadly ride of bull rider at PBR Denver event

A professional bull rider appeared to have gotten his last chance at a ride before he was tumbled and mortally injured, a witness told CBS Denver’s KCNC-TV. Mason Lowe, 25, died Tuesday night in a Denver hospital when a bull stepped on his chest, according to the Professional Bull Riders Association.

Raymond Lewis told KCNC-TV: “Looks like he was dealt with, but he was rejected at the last second.” Officials with the Bull Riders Association told the station that the world number 18 Lowe had been wearing a protective vest.

Lewis told the station that the arena fell silent when the bull’s hind legs, named Hard Times, hit Lowe in the chest. “It’s very serious,” he said.

Lowe was able to stand when the rodeo clown pulled some distance between the animal and the rider, Lewis said. “He got up, staggered toward the exit, and fell to the ground,” he said.

“Everybody took off their hats and said some prayers,” Lewis said. The National Western Stock Show paid tribute to Lowe ahead of Wednesday night’s game.

Mason Lowe at the PBR Kansas City Invitational on February 12, 2017 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO.Jamie Squire/Getty Images

“I’m sure I’ll be in tears tonight,” rodeo enthusiast Emily Goldett told KCNC-TV ahead of the event. A fundraiser was also held at the arena for Lowe’s family.

A fundraiser for the family also started on GoFundMe. Officials with the Bull Riders Association said Hard Times will continue to be used for competitions, KCNC-TV reported.