Bull rider killed in southern Houston rodeo

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Neighbors say every Sunday the rodeo at Monumental Plaza Garibaldi in southern Houston is a busy place.

"They usually have a lot of rodeos over there," said Willie Scott.

This past Sunday, those attending saw a terrible ending as riders from many states gathered to compete. Scott is a stable operator nearby and as a former bull rider, he knows the dangers.

"I rode bulls for a while then left them alone because of an accident like that," said Scott.

Carlos Rodriguez, 25, climbed the fence and got on the bull. The door swung open, but shortly after the bull came down and Rodriguez fell underneath. Medics on scene lifted him out, but it was too late.

"When it comes to rodeo, you have to expect some of the pain. Somebody's always going to end up getting hurt," said Scott.

Rodriguez is originally from Mexico. Scott said competitors know the dangers but still do it because they love the sport.

"It's competing against the animal itself. People get their momentum up inside of them, and they say they know they can do it," said Scott.

Friends said his family is on their way to Houston to make funeral arrangements.

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