Becky Jackson of Alma, Ark., had a special reason to attend the Youth Bull Riding event Saturday night at the Muskogee Fairgrounds Arena.

The evening was a fund-raiser and tribute to Becky’s son, 16-year-old Peyton, who was killed by a bull during YBR competition here two weeks ago.

Becky, 42, said many people she has never met have joined her family and friends to support her and her husband Tom, 44. Peyton was their only child.

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“The people who know us and knew our son, they’re going to miss him just like we’re going to miss him,” she said. “But the strangers who have lost children and have talked to us, all this is the only thing that will help us get through this.”

Regulars at the event said a much larger crowd was there for the special competition, which included a silent auction to help the Jackson family. Becky said she estimated 100 people drove from Alma to attend.

The show of concern and community support touched Becky, and she struggled to hold back tears.

“The respect they have shown us, and the respect they have shown our son — I wanted to be here to show our appreciation,” she said. “I just want to express our gratitude and our thanks.”

A witness to the Jan. 12 accident said Peyton successfully completed his 8-second ride, but came off the bull face down between it and the side of the arena. The bull’s back feet struck Peyton’s back and side.

Personnel from Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service transported Peyton to Muskogee Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Peyton, a 10th-grader at Alma High School, was remembered as a “fearless” person who was not only an avid hunter and fisherman, but a good student as well.

As is customary, the rodeo began with a rider carrying the United States flag and a singer performing the national anthem.

This time, the anthem was sung by 14-year-old Kayli Bullard, one of Peyton’s good friends from Alma.

“He quit football and baseball so he could do this,” she said. “That was his dream. I had heard that even when he was little he wanted to do rodeo. He loved the adrenaline rush.”

Bullard, an eighth-grader who also sang at Peyton’s funeral, said she felt very impressed by the big turnout for the special event, dedicated to her late friend.

“It’s so heartwarming to see the way people feel for us and the respect of them coming out here,” she said.

Bullard reflected on what she will remember most about the unique young man she knew.

“To live without regrets,” she said. “To live life as if it’s your last day.”

Evan Allard, 18, of Vinita, a bullfighter who said he has faced approximately 4,500 bulls, said he performs the same safety function as a rodeo clown.

“I tell the bull riders they’re crazy, and they tell me I’m crazy,” he said. “We kid around. But they trust us, and we trust them.”

Although Allard and his fellow bullfighters put themselves in danger to protect the cowboys, he expressed admiration for anyone who can climb on top of an 1,800-pound bull.

“It’s unreal the ability it takes,” he said. “It’s not just their reaction to the way the bull moves, they also have to be in shape.”



Reach Keith Purtell at 918-684-2925 or Click Here to Send Email