Family and Friends Mourns Loss of Female Bull Rider Alyssa Vanderhoff

Alyssa Vanderhoff (also known as AJ) was killed Thursday evening, August 27th, 2009, when she lost control of her pick-up truck on a gravel road near her hometown of Marathon, Iowa. As one of the few women's bull riders in the Midwest AJ had become a fan favorite on the Extreme Bullriding tour where she competed regularly in the Double S Bull Company Junior Bullriding. AJ along with her family made the long trip to Sedallia, MO this past weekend to the Missouri State Fair Bullriding where she competed both Friday and Saturday. Always showing her support for the sport she loved and making herself available to her fans she signed autographs following each nights performance as well as at on Saturday for two hours at Gene's Boots and Hats in downtown Sedalia.

AJ was a senior at Sioux Rapids High School At this time it is reported the funeral services will most likely be held at the Sioux Rapids High school. More detailed information will be posted as it is attained.

Additional information about AJ can be found at the memorial facebook site her friends have set up.

AJ will be sorely missed by family and friends and everyone in the rodeo community. Our Condolences and Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Vanderhoff family at this time of sorrow.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sioux Central Community School Gymnasium (MAP). Visitation will be Monday, August 31, 2009 from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids, Iowa (MAP). Burial will be in the Logan Township Cemetery in Gillett Grove, Iowa. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.