PUEBLO, Colo. (September 11, 2008) - The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) regrets to announce that bull rider Koben Puckett (Canyon, Texas) was seriously injured on Washburn 590 of Mike Lane and Billy Downard at the Mesquite Championship Discovery Tour event on Saturday, September 6. He sustained a broken neck (a C5-6 fracture-dislocation) when he landed on his head.
He was admitted to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, with his condition listed as serious, but stable. Surgery was scheduled for Wednesday, but due to pneumonia complications, surgery was rescheduled for Friday, September 12, to fuse C5-6 front and back. As of today, he has had minimal improvement, but it is still too soon to predict long term status.
“He (Koben) was doing what he loved. It has been a lifelong dream to compete in the Professional Bull Riders, and he was following that dream when he was injured,” said Dan Puckett, Koben’s father.
Puckett, 19, has been a member of the PBR for two years. Filling his permit in 2007, he has competed in 40 events this year and has won over $20,000, with four 90 point rides in the last two months.
“Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow and it is still too early to tell. He is a tough kid and he will deal with it. It’s going to be a long road, but I know he will come out of it. He has a great attitude and spirit that makes us all proud to be cowboys,” said Cody Lambert, one of PBR Founders and current Livestock Director.
To send your thoughts, prayers, and wishes to Puckett and his family, please send them to: 101 W Riverwalk; Pueblo, CO 81003.
Donation can be made to help injured bull riders through the Rider Relief Fund.
More updates will be posted as they become available.
About the Rider Relief Fund:
The Rider Relief Fund is 501 (c)(3) charities pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. The Rider Relief Fund benefits anyone involved in the sport of bull riding and at all levels. Any athlete or other person involved in the sport of bull riding who is injured may submit an application to the Foundation for assistance. The Rider Relief Fund is available to high school, college and professional bull riders as well as those people who work in the sport of bull riding. Donations can be made to the Foundation by mail at Resistol Relief Resources, Inc. 101 W. Riverwalk Pueblo, CO 81003 or Call with your Visa or MasterCard to 719-242-2800 ext. 3407
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