via the dead pelican
click picture for hi-resFARMINGTON — A Louisiana bull rider was critically injured Friday afternoon after being thrown from a bucking bull and stomped unconscious by the animal.
Corbin Carpenter, 17, of Jonesville, La., was thrown from his bull about 12:15 p.m. Friday while competing at the National High School Finals Rodeo.
"He appeared to have been kicked in the back of the head when he came off his bull," said rodeo doctor Chris Miller of Kansas Orthopaedic Services. "On the floor of the arena, it was apparent he had a serious spinal cord injury."
Carpenter was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he received emergency back surgery, Miller said.
Before surgery, the teen reported he could feel nurses moving his leg, a positive sign, the rodeo doctor said.
"It's very possible that he can recover full or partial functions. It's really impossible to tell at this point what the extent of any permanent injuries may be," Miller said. "We want to hope for the best but be realistically prepared for the worst." ~ read more
Carpenter's mother witnessed the accident Friday, and his father and sister flew into town Friday night from Louisiana, Rodrigue said. The family is staying in the community until Carpenter is released from the hospital.
"They could be here anywhere from three weeks to a month before they can move Corbin," he said. "It will still be several days before they can figure out how much damage there is."
Tres Rios High School Rodeo Association committee members have set up an account. Donations are being accepted in the Louisiana High School Rodeo Association Donation Account for Corbin Carpenter at any Citizens Bank location or at the information center at McGee Park. ~ read more
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