A 26-year-old bronc rider from Henrietta, Texas, died after an accident at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo on September 9.
According to reports, Skee Burkes was bucked off a horse and subsequently stepped on by the horse, leading to fatal injuries to his head.
Burkes was more than just a rodeo participant. He had varied interests, including working as an oilfield supervisor, crafting custom leatherwork, and singing on stage at the Blue Light. His mother, Dee Ann Littlefield, highlighted his enthusiasm for life, saying he always looked forward to the potential of each new day.
“He would get more out of every day than any one of us would get out of a single week,” said Littlefield.
Burkes’ passion for bronc riding began in his childhood and continued through his teen years in Henrietta, where he got on his first ranch bronc in high school. Littlefield added that her son had been participating in rodeo events for a decade and was a skilled horseman. She emphasized that the accident was unexpected and not reflective of his abilities.
Littlefield, who wasn’t present during the incident, received the news in a phone call.
Burkes’ sister, Kalico, noted that the rodeo proceeded after the accident, which she believes is what her brother would have wanted.
The rodeo is holding a fundraiser to help his family with funeral costs.