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14-year-old boy dies after riding bull at Stokes County rodeo

A boy died after riding a bull at a rodeo at American Legion Post 290 on South Main Street in King Saturday night.

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KING, N.C. — A boy died after riding a bull at a rodeo at American Legion Post 290 on South Main Street in King Saturday night.

According to Brandon Gentry, Director of Emergency Services in Stokes County, units responded to a call for cardiac arrest around 8:24 p.m. at the Rafter K. Rodeo Winter Series.

According to the rodeo's Facebook page, the rider's name was Denim Bradshaw.

Denim was riding a bull at the time of the call, but it is unclear what caused the cardiac arrest. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

His mother, Shannon Bowman released a Facebook post after her son's death.

"Last night was the longest night of my life," Bowman said in the post. "My beautiful, handsome, 14-year-old son went to be with the lord. I awoke to a nightmare for the rest of [my] life."

Rafter K Rodeo Company, LLC, located in Union Grove, released a statement on Facebook in the wake of Bradshaw's death.

"Everyone here at Rafter K Rodeo Company, LLC would like to give our sincere condolences to the family and friends of bull rider, Denim Bradshaw. This is a tragic event and words cannot describe the pain felt by this loss. We ask everyone to come together and pray for his family for comfort and healing during this difficult time."

According to family, "Denim ventured into the world of bull riding and fell in love. The boots, the cowboy hats, and those big belt buckles -- he loved it all. He got to ride his first bull on Jan. 28, and his excitement was palpable. None of us could believe that this first ride would cause his death, and we are beyond devastated. Our sweet 14-year-old boy lost his life during what was the most exciting moment of his short life, and we are now lost without him."

Denim loved his dog and wanted to be a police officer, the family added.

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