NFR Memorable Moment No. 4 …
Members of the rodeo community helped reporter Jeff Wolf select the 10 most memorable editions of the past 49 National Finals Rodeos.
The countdown to No. 1 continues.
No. 4
1994, Las Vegas
Purse: $2.8 million
Attendance: 170,589
The 10-year anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas was filled with milestones and final night memories, but it will be remembered most for a 10th-round bull ride that ended tragically.
It was the last event on the last night of the rodeo when Brent Thurman, 25, was stepped on by Growney Rodeo’s famous Red Wolf. The Austin, Texas, native suffered cranial and facial fractures, and died from the injuries six days later.
It remains the only fatality in the 50 years of the NFR.
The loss helped to spur some bull riders to begin wearing helmets, though even today most do not.
A pall set over a crowd that feared Thurman’s injuries were serious. But before he was hurt, the 10th round ranked as one of the most dramatic.
Team ropers Jake Barnes and Clay O’Brien Cooper won their seventh world championship, and Kristie Peterson ended Charmayne James’ 10-year reign in barrel racing.
Ty Murray won his sixth all-around championship.
Calf roper Herbert Theriot placed second in the last round, while Joe Beaver didn’t earn a check that night, giving Theriot the world title by a mere $14.80.
In saddle bronc riding, Montana’s Dan Mortensen won his second straight world title. Mortensen retired this year with sixth world buckles.
It also was the only NFR in which three-time Professional Bull Riders champion Adriano Moraes competed in the event. He rode 10 bulls to win the Finals bull riding title.
