02 January 2023 , 13:55
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A young cowboy and dad who was crushed to death by a bucking bull in a rodeo tragedy has been identified.
He passed away after being stamped on by the animal, despite wearing protective gear.
Hue Mills, 25, from Atholwood, New South Wales, Australia, has been named as tributes from his community, friends and family have come flooding in following his passing.
He now leaves behind a wife and young son.
Mr Mills was tragically killed when he was abruptly thrown off a bull while competing in a novice bull ride.
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For a New Year's Eve Rodeo, the dad travelled interstate, to Queensland, for the competition.
It is understood that he was 'bucked off' just several seconds after entering the arena.
One person said that the incident was 'one of the saddest things I had ever witnessed' (Facebook)Hundreds of shocked spectators watched on in horror as he was reportedly crushed by the bull's hind legs, while lying on the ground from the impact of being thrown off.
Mr Mills suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Following the tragic incident, the National Rodeo Association has paid tribute as more details have emerged about the accident.
The young cowboy tragically killed after he was thrown off a bull while competing has been remembered as one of most down to earth people (Facebook)NRA chairman Jason Hall told The Courier Mail: "The competitor came off about half way into the ride, the bull's legs came down on his back.
"It didn't look any more serious than anything that happens every week."
Mr Mills was wearing a helmet and protective vest at the time, but despite this Mr Hall said that: "They are obviously to help limit any injury, it can't obviously prevent everything from happening."
Mr Mills was treated by paramedics, behind a white screen at the scene (7 News)He added: "It was an unfortunate accident. Bull riding is a dangerous sport and everyone competing knows this is always a possibility."
Mr Mills' death rocked the rodeo industry, as devastated event organisers have announced plans to support the cowboy's grieving family.
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Organisers posted: "In an effort to support the family, the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society will be 'Passing the Hat Around' today at our National Rodeo Association Junior Rodeo to assist in any way we can financially for the family with funeral arrangements, and where possible, any long term care for the family.
"Please understand that this is a very difficult time for the family, the Society, the National Rodeo Association, and his fellow competitors, so we request that the privacy of the family is upheld at this difficult time."
President John Maher went on to add: "We want to offer our condolences to his family, friends and his fellow riders.
"A man losing his life doing the sport he loves is such a great tragedy."
Shocking video footage of the moment Mr Mills was treated by paramedics behind a white shield, before being loaded into an ambulance, was posted online.
The ambulance had to be pushed into the venue by spectators and a tractor (7 News)Another clip showed one of the ambulances in the middle of the arena, being towed by a tractor and pushed.
One spectator said: "One of the saddest things I had ever witnessed."
Devastated friends and family have also gone on to pay tributes to Mr Mills, as he has been remembered as one of most down to earth people in his community.
One person wrote: "Such a shocking tragedy to one of the nicest, most humble friendly upstanding people I've ever met .....his down to earth personality was one you couldn't help but admire and strive to become a better person having known him."
Another said: "RIP old son you were always a wild one was great knowing you for the short time I did."
Another woman added: "As the DJ for this event, I am deeply saddened... my deepest condolences to his family... I wish to thank all the volunteers and paramedics who did all they could for this young cowboy."
The New Year's Eve event is one of the the biggest for the year for Warwick Show and Rodeo Society.