BANDERA, Texas — A Spring Branch mother is heartbroken after her son died while doing something he loved: bull riding.
22-year-old Peter De Luna died Friday at the Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena in Bandera during the "Riding on Faith" Rodeo series. Officials said he fell off a bull, then that bull stepped on him.
His mother, Vanessa De Luna said Peter had just started riding bulls a year ago.
“It was something challenging for him,” Vanessa said. “Something new for him and once he started, he didn’t look back.”
She said her son got into the rodeo sport a year ago. She was nervous about it, but wanted to support his dreams.
“I’d kiss him before he’d ride, I would just bless him before he’d ride every time, tell him good luck, tell him stay safe,” she said.
On Friday, she was not able to be at the rodeo but said Peter’s girlfriend was. She got a phone call from her that night of the tragic news.
“My heart completely breaks for her," Vanessa said. "You know, she was with him that night. She was the one who called me and I heard it in her voice how scared she was."
The day after Peter’s death, another rodeo in Bulverde honored him. Vanessa said she is thankful for the support coming from the rodeo community as she continues to come to terms with how he died.
“I can’t blame anybody for it," Vanessa said. "As bull riders, they know the dangers of going into this so I’m just comforted that he’s in a better place.”
But outside of the rodeos, she said Peter was a loving older brother and life of the party.
“He was a joy to be around, always making people laugh,” Vanessa said.
She said he is missed by many.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family. In addition, a Bandera hat shaping store, Gold Buckle Hatters is hosting a raffle where all proceeds will go to the family.
Tickets cost $15 and the winner will get to choose any hat up to $900 in value.
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