Rising star bull rider killed in “terrible wreck” in US

ONE of rodeo’s rising stars has been killed after a bull riding accident in the United States described in a statement by PBR as a “terrible wreck”.

Brazilian national Amadeu Campos Silva, 22, was competing in a Velocity Tour today event in the central Californian city Fresno when tragedy struck during one of his rides.

He was rushed to the local Community Regional Medical Centre but could not be saved.

“It is with extremely heavy heads that we report that Amadeu Campos Silva passed away,” the PBR statement said.

“Earlier today, young Brazilian bull rider… was involved in a terrible wreck at the Velocity Tour event in Fresno.

“The entire PBR and western sports family extend our thoughts, prayers and hearfelt condolences to Amadeu’s family and friends,” the statement said.

“At 22, he was a bull rider with a lot of promise, coming to the U.S. after competing in PBR Brazil in 2017 and 2018 to pursue his dream of a World Championship.

“In 2019, he was runner up at the Brazilian Finals and that year, made his U.S. debut on the Velocity Tour in Edinburg, Texas; 11 months later he made it to the premier series in Manchester, N.H.

“At the end of the 2020 season, one of Amadeu’s life dreams was accomplished: he rode in the PBR World Finals.

“This season, on the Velocity Tour, he was again angling to rise to the elite level. Amadeu was a rising star in our sport; a cowboy with so much potential on and off the dirt.

“The entire PBR and western sports family extend our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to Amadeu’s family and friends. Please say a prayer tonight for them, and may Amadeu’s soul eternally rest in peace.”