Coy Lutz: Teen Rodeo Rider Killed After Horse Tramples Him To Death In New Jersey


Coy Lutz, a 19-year-old rodeo rider, was killed in Pilesgrove, New Jersey at the Cowtown Rodeo on Saturday night. Sgt. Jeff Flynn of the state police told Buzzfeed News that the incident happened when Lutz was performing on his horse when he fell off and the animal then kicked his head. The cowboy from Hopeland, Pennsylvania was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

NJ.com included more information in its report by stating that the teen rodeo rider killed was a competitor in the bareback bronc riding event opening night of the rodeo’s 62nd season. After he fell off the horse, it kicked him several times.

Cowtown Rodeo owner/producer Grant Harris said Lutz was a “really nice kid from a really nice family.” He adds that this is “tragic and traumatic” for the rodeo industry.

The bareback bronc riding competition had five riders registered for the third event of the night; Lutz was the fourth one to ride.

Bareback bronc riding is what the name implies; no saddle is on the horse. Riders hold onto a handle that is attached to a wide strap called a surcingle that goes around the horse’s chest. The division is similar to bull riding in terms of staying on the horse for prize money. A cowboy must stay on the bucking animal for a full eight seconds.

Coy Lutz was riding a horse named H3. Harris said that while Lutz was on H3, it “turned back” — meaning it was bucking in a tight circle in a spinning motion instead of bucking while in a forward motion.

The young cowboy was thrown off and fell to the ground. The horse proceeded to kick Lutz “several times,” Harris said. Horses weigh an average of 1,250 pounds.

Arena staff managed to get the horse away from Lutz before tending to his injuries. EMTs from the American Legion Ambulance Squad immediately came into the arena.

Lutz was rushed to The Memorial Hospital of Salem County in Mannington Township where he was pronounced dead.

Organizers of the rodeo posted a message of its condolences on its Facebook page.

“Cowtown Rodeo and The Harris Family extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Lutz Family for the tragic loss of their son, Coy. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him.”

Harris explained that numerous cowboys have broken arms, legs, and ribs while competing. It’s not unusual for cowboys to suffer minor to serious injuries in these events, but death isn’t commonplace. Lutz’s death is a first for the Cowtown Rodeo.

As Harris said, these kinds of activities are a “physical contact sport.”

Harris shares that he spoke with Coy Lutz before Saturday night and learned that he was enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he was doing well academically and with collegiate rodeo.

“Coy was just an outstanding kid who had a real bright future,” UT Martin Head Coach John Luthi told NBC 10. “He was a good student and he came from a great family. Even though he was only here for one year, his impact will always be felt here at UT Martin. He was a super human being who always took care of his business. It’s hard to imagine why something like this had to happen but we have faith that God is in control.”

Lutz began competing in rodeos in high school.

The rodeo community of Cowtown has been deeply shaken by the rodeo rider’s death. It brings a stark reality to what can go wrong in this incredibly risky sport.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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