Skee Burkes Death Cause, Obituary: A Bronc Rider with a Passion for Life Passes Away at 26

Skee Burkes, a 26-year-old bronc rider from Henrietta, Texas, died on Saturday, September 9, 2023, after a tragic accident during the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene, Texas. He was participating in the Ranch Bronc riding event, a rodeo competition that involves riding a bucking horse for eight seconds while holding onto a rein attached to the horse’s halter. According to witnesses and rodeo officials, Burkes was thrown off his horse and landed on his head, suffering fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Who was Skee Burkes?

Burkes was born on April 17, 1997, to Dee Ann Littlefield and Cameron Burkes. He grew up in a ranching family and developed a passion for rodeo at an early age. He competed in various events, such as bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and team roping, but his favorite was ranch bronc riding, which he considered to be the most authentic and challenging form of rodeo.

Skee Burkes was not a professional rodeo cowboy, but he entered many rodeos through the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA), a regional association that combines several long-standing rodeo organizations across the southern United States. He also worked as an oilfield supervisor and had a leather business that he planned to open his own shop soon.

As per factynews.com sources, Burkes was known for his talent, creativity, humor, and retro style. He loved music, especially Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan, and played guitar and harmonica. He also enjoyed drawing, painting, and making leather crafts. He was a devout Christian who led several people to the Lord, including his bus driver Rob Simmons, who was baptized with Burkes at his side at the Henrietta Cowboy Church.

What Happened to Skee Burkes?

On Saturday night, September 9, 2023, he was participating in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene. He entered the rodeo through the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA), which allows its members to compete in PRCA events.

Skee drew a horse named Big Enough for the ranch bronc riding event. According to witnesses, he made a good ride until the horse bucked him off near the end of the eight-second mark. Skee Burkes landed on his head and neck and did not get up. He was immediately attended by medical personnel and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Taylor County Expo Center, which hosted the rodeo, released a statement expressing its condolences to Burkes’ family and friends. The PRCA and UPRA also issued statements mourning his loss and honoring his legacy.

A Shocking Loss

Skee Burkes’ death has shocked and saddened the rodeo community and his hometown of Henrietta. Many people have expressed their condolences and tributes on social media, remembering him as a unique, memorable, and kind-hearted person.

“Although Skee was not a member of the UPRA, the sport of rodeo is a big family, Skee was rodeo family and when one of our rodeo families suffers the unimaginable, we all grieve with them,” UPRA said in a press release. “The sport lost a great competitor, the world lost a great human. Please join us in keeping his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Rochelle Johnson, the executive vice president and general manager of the Taylor County Expo Center, where the rodeo took place, also issued a statement expressing her regret and sympathy.

“The Expo Center Board of Directors and staff regretfully inform our community of a death during the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Rodeo performance on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with Burkes’ family, the spectators, and the rodeo officials in the arena.”

Burkes’ mother, Dee Ann Littlefield, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook about her son’s life and legacy.

As many of you may have heard by now Skee was in a Bronc riding accident at the Abilene rodeo last night and died in the arena. Our hearts are broken and we thank you for your prayers

From the day he was born all I ever knew to expect from Skee was the unexpected. This was definitely unexpected. He was the most talented, hilariously funny, artistic, musical, retro package I have ever known. His love and appreciation for good things ran deep – from Elvis and Bob Dylan to authentic vintage era anything. He was the most creative person I have ever known and expressed it in ways only he could. He was the most unique, broke-the-mold person most of us have ever met. Oh those memories.

She also shared her son’s faith and achievements.

He loved Jesus and led several people to the Lord…He was in such a good path – oilfield supervisor, so excited about his leather business and opening his own shop soon. One thing about Skee – he was MEMORABLE. If you ever met him – you never forgot him.

She concluded by thanking everyone for their love and support.

Services are pending. Burial will be in Matador with a memorial planned at the Henrietta Cowboy Church the afternoon of Sunday, September 17. Thank you for your love for our Skee Boy.

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