The official word from Dr. Tandy Freeman is that Darryl Diefenbach (bullfighter) has a fractured C5 vertebrae. He will be out of competition for 3 to 4 months. The good news is there is no paralysis and none is expected to develop.
The following press release was issued by the PRCA regarding Darryl and his scheduled appearance at the 48th Annual Wrangler NFR.
Diefenbach will miss Wrangler NFR due to injury
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – PRCA bullfighter Darrell Diefenbach will miss the 48th annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas later this month after fracturing the C5 vertebrae in his neck. This would have marked the native Australian’s sixth straight appearance at the Wrangler NFR.
Diefenbach, who now resides in Azle, Texas, was fighting bulls during the 2006 World Bucking Bull Classic and World Finals Futurity at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas on Oct. 30 when the accident occurred.
“The bull caught me and threw me in the air and I landed on the back of my head,” Diefenbach said. “I hate that I will miss the Finals, but I hope to be back for San Antonio in February.”
Fortunately for Diefenbach, doctors don’t expect any paralysis. He is currently wearing a brace to keep his spine aligned, and he will be required to wear the brace for the next several weeks. He plans to return home by the end of the week and will then schedule an appointment with a neurologist to learn more about his future prognosis.
With Diefenbach out for the Wrangler NFR, Shorty Gorham of Red Bluff, Calif., will take his place after being selected as this year’s alternate bullfighter. Gorham worked his first Wrangler NFR in an official capacity last year after serving as the alternate the previous three years.
Travis Adams of Gary, Texas, will be the new alternate bullfighter for the Wrangler NFR.
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