Warwick Show and Rodeo Society pays tribute to New South Wales man killed by bull at New Year’s Eve event
Tributes have flowed for a cowboy who died from injuries while competing in the Warwick New Year’s Eve Rodeo. It comes as the identity of the New South Wales man has been revealed.
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A cowboy who was tragically killed while competing in the Warwick New Year’s Eve Rodeo has been described as a “great community member” and family man.
New South Wales man Hue Mills died in hospital after he was critically injured while competing in the novice bull ride on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old is survived by a wife and child.
His death led to an outpouring of grief from the rodeo community, both in Queensland and over the border.
While he lived in Atholwood in northern New South Wales, it is understood Mr Mills was known in the Texas community due to his work at a nearby feedlot.
A Texas business owner who knew Mr Mills posted a tribute on social media, calling his death “terrible and tragic”.
“Shocked and (devastated) to lose not only one of our customers … but also a great community member,” the post said.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Mills family from Atholwood at this terrible and tragic time.”
The business owner late told The Chronicle Mr Mills was an “everyday person” who loved a chat.
Mr Mills’ family has been contacted.
The Warwick Show and Rodeo Society announced on Sunday it was raising funds for his family at the junior rodeo.
EARLIER: The identity of the man killed while riding a bull at the Warwick New Year’s Eve Rodeo has been revealed.
Hue Mills died, 25, from his injuries after an incident while he was competing in the novice bull ride at the Warwick Showgrounds about 8pm.
His name was confirmed by multiple people who were at the event last night.
It is understood the New South Wales-based cowboy was “bucked off” after about three or four seconds of riding.
He was then struck by the bull’s hind legs while on the ground.
National Rodeo Association chair Jason Hall told News Corp said the rider had been crushed by the bull’s hind legs.
“The competitor came off about half way into the ride, the bull’s legs came down on his back,” Mr Hall said.
“It didn’t look any more serious than anything that happens every week.”
Queensland Ambulance Services paramedics stabilised the man in the arena before taking him to Warwick Hospital, where he later died.
Warwick Show and Rodeo Society president John Maher said the community was shocked and saddened by the untimely loss of the young rider.
“We want to offer our condolences to his family, friends and his fellow riders,” Mr Maher said.
“A man losing his life doing the sport he loves is such a great tragedy.”
In a statement on Sunday morning, the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society shared its sorrow following the tragic incident.
“It is with great sadness that the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Inc wishes to confirm the passing of a competitor in the novice bull ride at our 2022 New Year’s Eve Rodeo,” the statement said.
“The management committee of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Inc extends their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the competitor.”
The organisers said it was working to support the family of the man however they could, including raising funds at the junior rodeo.
“In an effort to support the family, the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society will be ‘passing the hat around’ today at our National Rodeo Association Ltd. junior rodeo to assist in any way we can financially for the family with funeral arrangements, and where possible, any long term care for the family,” the statement continued.
“Please understand that this is a very difficult time for the family, the society, the National Rodeo Association, and his fellow competitors, so we request that the privacy of the family is upheld at this difficult time.”
Supporters and Warwick residents expressed sadness at the news over social media, with one calling it a “tragedy”.
“Sincere condolences to family and friends of the young cowboy. May he rest in peace,” Marg Hinde wrote.
“What an absolute tragedy. My sincere condolences to the cowboys family and friends, and all who witnessed this accident,” Lara Brickley wrote.
“Ride high young cowboy and rest in peace,” Meg Russell added.
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Originally published as Warwick Show and Rodeo Society pays tribute to New South Wales man killed by bull at New Year’s Eve event
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