THE rodeo star Spud Jones has died at the age of 36, his family have confirmed.
The bull rider died peacefully in his sleep on July 4.
Jones, who qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 2008, had been dealing with some medical issues, his family told the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Jones had a passion for bull riding and got his pro license when he was 18.
During his career, Jones picked up titles in Denver and New Mexico, racking up more than $98,000 in prize money.
In 2008, he finished in the top 15 of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rankings.
But, his mom, Michaelene, initially didn’t want him to take up the sport.
She feared he would get injured and when she told him, Jones broke down in tears.
“He was so upset,” she said.
“He wanted to ride bulls so bad, but I didn’t want him to get hurt.
“He was always so tough as a kid.”
Devastated dad, JW, revealed his son always smiled.
“Some of my favorite memories are when we were on the road,” he said.
“I did the schedule for him. We went all over.
“He just wanted to compete and he always had a smile on his face.”
Jacob Todechine, a rodeo announcer, paid a gushing tribute to Jones on social media.
“He was someone I truly looked up to, the one who inspired me to ride bulls and carry myself with pride,” he said.
Todechine hailed Jones’ conduct and revealed he was always on hand to help at junior rodeo events.
“Everyone wanted to be like Spud Jones,” he said.
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