9-year-old boy killed learning to ride a steer
CanWest News Service
February 28, 2005
CALGARY -- The central Alberta community of Spruce View is in mourning after a nine-year-old boy -- learning how to ride a steer -- was killed when the animal kicked him in the chest.
It is believed Braeden Chamberlain died "very quickly," said family friend Elbert Koster.
"He fell off the steer and the steer's back feet, or back foot, we're not sure, hit him below the chest," said Koster. "It looked like it knocked the wind out of him, but obviously it was much worse."
According to police, the boy was wearing protective equipment at the time of the accident.
The boy's father Mike Chamberlain was at the arena, while his mother Tammy was scrapbooking with Koster's wife when they got the call.
Braeden was the couple's oldest child. He is survived by his parents, younger twin brothers and a large extended family.
The community, according to Koster, is rallying around the Chamberlains, bringing them food, and making sure they're not left alone.
"What the community can do is love them and pray for them that they will find the strength to get through this," he said.
Mark Crawford, the principal of Spruce View school, said a strategy is being formed to help students deal with the tragedy.
"His death is going to be quite a heartfelt loss for everyone at the school."
Those who knew Braeden said he was an energetic child who loved sports and was well-liked by his peers.
"He was a great little kid," said Keili Griffith, 15, who attended school with Braeden. "He'd always come up and hug you and say hi if he knew you."
The boy's death raises bigger questions about the sport of steer riding, a beginner rodeo event that requires staying on the animal.
"The question always comes up, why are we playing this sport," said Koster. "If this is a sport that is played, it was the right way to be played, therefore it was a freak accident," he said, referring to the proper safety equipment and procedures being followed in Friday night's accident