Bull rider dies at rodeo event on Stoney Nakoda First Nation

Young bull rider dies at Stoney Nakoda event A young bull rider died after suffering what appeared to be a head injury at the Chiniki Rodeo Grounds on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.

A young bull rider is dead after suffering what appeared to be a head injury Sunday evening at the Chiniki Rodeo Grounds on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.

CTV News has learned that man was 19-year-old Seth Saulteaux, who friends say was living between Mini Thni, Strathmore, Calgary and Maskwacis.

Tryon Simon became friends with Saulteaux 16 years ago when they met at their local hockey rink.

He says Saulteaux was set to celebrate his 20th birthday in September.

Simon says the pair bonded and have been friends ever since.

He was shocked to learn of Saulteaux's death Sunday night.

"It was just disbelief. It was really hard to even manage to even keep my emotions in place," said Simon.

"It was just hard for me to even think that I won't be seeing my buddy Seth anymore."

Simon says Saulteaux had a passion for bull riding and enjoyed being part of the rodeo.

"It was the one thing he wanted to pursue in life," he said.

"Every day we would talk, he would tell me it was either ride or die on the bull and he wanted to be the next Lane Frost and wanted to be the next great bull rider and one of the greatest from Maskwacis as well."

Simon says his friend always lit up a room.

"He always made you smile. No matter what mood you were in, he would always put a smile on your face," said Simon.

"He was so joyful and such a kind person. Always cared about other people's emotions, too. He was always there for you."

Emergency Medical Services confirmed on Monday that they were called to the grounds.

EMS says an injured man died when his condition declined.

Sunday's incident occurred during an Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) event, the Mini Thni Qualifier Rodeo.

"The INFR would like it if you all could include in your prayers the family and friends of the young bull rider who was fatally injured at the Tour Rodeo in Canada today," the INFR posted to its Facebook page late Sunday night.

Commissioner Eugene Creighton released a statement on Monday.

"It was an unfortunate accident and nothing untoward happened that would've prevented it," said Creighton.

"The ambulance and medics were present and took immediate control of the situation, but unfortunately, the contestant succumbed to his injuries. They did everything possible to assist the injured contestant. This was a traumatic occurrence for everyone in attendance and everyone connected to Indian rodeo."

Fellow rider and friend Jacob Todechine says Saulteaux's determination for succeeding in his sport was always on full display.

"He was a really great cowboy," said Todechine.

"I know that his legacy will live on in the rodeo industry. He's not gone and not forgotten."

The exact details surrounding Saulteaux's death have not been made public.