Bull Rider Shares Terrifying Moment He Nearly Died After Being Gored Through The Neck

Zachary Naegele faced a life-threatening injury during a bull riding competition

A professional bull rider has opened up about the ‘freak accident’ that nearly cost him his life in front of a packed audience.

Zachary Naegele was left in a fight for survival after participating in the Conley Invitational Bull Riding competition in Palmetto, Florida, on February 7.

The 24-year-old had made an exhausting 11-hour drive from his home in Amity, Louisiana, hoping to earn money by competing in the high-risk sport of bull riding.

But what was supposed to be a routine event quickly turned into a life-threatening nightmare. He was lucky to survive after suffering a near-fatal injury that could have caused him to bleed out before reaching the hospital.

Naegele has now shared details of the harrowing experience, which unfolded in front of a shocked crowd who had come to watch the competition.

What they saw that day was far from what they had expected – it was a scene that would haunt them.

Zachary Naegele was left fighting for his life after competing in the Conley Invitation Bull Riding competitionKennedy News and Media

His ordeal began when he selected a bull he had ridden before. But this time, things took a horrifying turn. The bull managed to buck him off violently, causing its horn to puncture his neck and carotid artery.

Naegele explained that the bull’s horn slipped under his protective helmet, piercing straight through his neck before exiting, leaving behind a deep and gory wound.

At first, he thought the bull had only grazed his face. But when he noticed blood pouring from his neck, he realized just how serious the injury was.

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His artery was cutKennedy News and Media

Paramedics rushed Naegele to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he underwent emergency surgery. His pulse was undetectable upon arrival, prompting urgent life-saving procedures.

Naegele recounted: “That night I drew a bull that I knew and I had seen before. I was actually very happy to draw him but it ended up being this freak accident. The bull ended up busting me off but when he did his horn ended up puncturing through my neck under my jaw and going into my neck about three inches.”

He continued: “At first I didn’t know it impaled me in the neck. I saw the blood when I ran away and as soon as I got behind the chute I grabbed my chin because I thought the bull had busted my chin or jaw. But when I grabbed my jaw, the blood was still pouring out. If you’ve ever taken a syringe full of water and squirted it, that’s how it looked coming out of my neck.”

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At first, he thought he had only been scratched until he saw the bloodKennedy News and Media

He then described the terrifying realization that he was losing consciousness: “It was a scary moment to see that much blood coming out. When I came off the bull it hit me so hard that his horn went directly in and out. During the 20-minute ride to the hospital, I felt myself slowly losing breath and going in and out and slowly dying.”

During the incident, he lost nearly two gallons of blood, sustained nerve damage, and suffered a serious jugular injury. Surgeons had to perform delicate plastic surgery to repair his damaged carotid artery.

Thankfully, after three days in the ICU, Naegele was discharged. His doctors estimate a recovery period of six to eight weeks.

The bull rider nearly diedKennedy News and Media

However, his injury has left him facing significant financial challenges. With costly medical bills and an inability to compete, Naegele launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his expenses.

Despite everything, Naegele remains determined to return to the sport he loves.

“I know that God has bigger plans for me in life; now it’s time to get healed up,” he said.

Having spent nine years in the sport, Naegele began bull riding at just 15 years old.

Most people would steer clear of bulls after such a close call, but Naegele has big plans for his future. His goal is to make it onto a Professional Bull Riding (PBR) team, with a dream of joining the Oklahoma Wildcats.

Despite still recovering, he remains hopeful. He shared: “Currently I am back at my home. I am able to walk on my own and eat soft food and drink on my own.”

“I am very shocked at myself that I am making a recovery this fast. Within a few months I plan on getting back into bull riding and chasing my dream.”

“This hasn’t put me off being a rodeo athlete, bull riding is my main source of income.”

“There is always going to be that nervous side to it after an injury.”

“An injury to this extent is very rare now especially because we wear helmets and vests and we even clip the bulls’ horns so they are flat. This was a freak accident.”

“It’s a miracle that I’m alive. If it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be here today.”

A spokesperson for the Conley Invitational Bull Riding event expressed gratitude for Naegele’s recovery: “We’re incredibly grateful that Zachary is safe and on the road to recovery.”

“Bull riding is a sport of unmatched skill, courage, and unpredictability, and while injuries are an unfortunate reality, the resilience of athletes like Zachary is truly inspiring.”

“At the Conley Invitational Bull Riding, contestant safety is always our top priority. We’re thankful for the swift response of our experienced professionals and medical team, whose dedication helps keep our riders as safe as possible.”