The passing of 19-year-old bull rider Seth Saulteaux during an Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) event on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation has left his family and friends in mourning.
Hailing from Maskwacis, Seth had a deep passion for the rodeo life, following in the footsteps of his bull-riding grandfather, Marcel Saulteaux. From a young age, Seth accompanied his grandfather to rodeo events across North America, and at the age of 14, he courageously rode his first bull.
Seth’s talent and dedication to the sport led him to qualify for the prestigious INFR main event in Las Vegas on three separate occasions. With his sights set on further accomplishments, he aspired to ride in the Professional Bull Riders circuit. However, tragedy struck on Saturday when Seth experienced a fatal blow during what turned out to be his last ride.
Raylene, Seth’s mother, received the devastating news through a phone call from a friend at the Chiniki Rodeo Grounds. The call came in as Seth collapsed, and desperate attempts were made to revive him. Regrettably, Raylene lost signal shortly after, leaving her in an agonizing state of uncertainty.
Marcel, whom Seth affectionately referred to as his dad, recounted the final moments of his beloved grandson’s life. Seth endured a severe impact during the ride, despite wearing a helmet and other protective gear. Nevertheless, he managed to rise and exit the arena, instructing one of his cousins to call his grandfather. Tragically, Seth collapsed soon after, and despite swift medical attention, he passed away a short distance from the rodeo grounds.
Initially, Marcel had encouraged Seth to pursue roping events, but bull riding had captured his grandson’s heart. “He always wanted to be a cowboy,” Marcel shared, reminiscing about Seth’s infectious smile and remarkable determination. Marcel expressed deep pride and admiration for his grandson’s unwavering commitment to his chosen path, noting that Seth fearlessly embraced the challenges that came with bull riding. The news of Seth’s untimely demise brought the entire rodeo community together to offer their support and solace to Seth’s grieving family.
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