Crime & Safety

Riverview Teen Dies From Injuries Sustained After Being Thrown From Bull

Sheriff's Office calls it "just a tragic accident."

By all accounts, 16-year-old Brooke Ann Coats of Riverview was an experienced amateur bull rider, But her experience wasn't enough to save her from a tragic accident Friday night.

The Riverview High School teen died Friday night from injuries sustained after she fell off and was reportedly kicked by the bull she was riding during a bull-riding competition. The accident occurred at Remington Rough Stock's Tampa Bull Riding rodeo on U.S. 301 South near the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, owned by former professional bull rider Corey Costa.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Coats of 7220 Alafia Ridge Loop, Riverview, was thrown from a bull and kicked in the chest at about 8:30 p.m. Friday, as her parents watched her from the spectator's stand.

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Coats was able to stand and walk out of the ring but began experiencing difficulty breathing and collapsed. An on-scene off-duty paramedic began treating Coats until Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived to transport her to Tampa General Hospital. She died in surgery at around 10 p.m., according to sheriff's Detective Larry McKinnon. 

"No one suspects anything was done wrong," said McKinnon. "But when you get on a 2,000-pound bull and try to ride it, bad things can happen."

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According to Michael Baxley, who said he's Costa's best friend, Coats had been riding bulls for a number of years and was wearing her own helmet and protective vest at the time of the accident.

McKinnon said the riders sign waivers acknowledging the potential danger of the sport. Coats, he said, allegedly signed that waiver.

"She was a sweet girl who's been coming out here a long time," said Baxley. "She knew what she was doing."

McKinnon said Coats most likely sustained internal injuries from either the fall or the kick from the bull.

"There's always an element of danger in sports. Little Leaguers have died after being hit in the chest with a ball. This was just a freak accident," he said.

He said he was unaware of any prior deaths at the bull-riding facility. 

"I think this is rare for any facility," he said. "There've been injuries but no deaths that I'm aware of."

At press time, her parents hadn't commented.

To express condolences, visit the Legacy page.


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