Champion breakaway roper’s daughter Oaklynn died when one of their horses suffered medical episode and fell on them
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Champion breakaway roper Kelsie Domer is mourning the devastating loss of her three-year-old daughter, Oaklynn, after a tragic accident involving a horse.
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The 10-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world champion shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, posting her daughter’s obituary. Oaklynn died Feb. 19.
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“Oaklynn packed a lot in her short time with us,” reads the obituary by Harrell Funeral Home and the Lanman Funeral Home, reports People. “Traveling the rodeo circuit all over the U.S., hitting the practice pen with mom and dad, and loving her family with all her heart.”
The tribute evokes a picture of a fearless little cowgirl who adored “frogs, horses, everybody’s puppies, going to ‘yodeos’, and hanging out with all her friends.” She “did not know a stranger and lit up the room the minute she made her grand entrance.”
Kelsie, 35, shares Oaklynn with husband Ryan Domer. While neither has spoken publicly in detail, both have reshared tributes and memorial posts on social media.
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The day of the accident
According to Rodeo Life, Kelsie was holding Oaklynn while leading one of their horses when the animal experienced a medical episode and fell on them, reports E! News. Kelsie survived the “freak” accident. Despite life-saving efforts, Oaklynn succumbed to her injuries, Rodeo Life noted, reports E! News.
Taste of Country also reported that Oaklynn died following a tragic accident involving a horse, per People.
In the days since, the rodeo community has wrapped its arms around the grieving family.
Kelsie shared “Be The Light” pink memorial caps available in Oaklynn’s memory and reposted a tribute from prominent rodeo journalist Kendra Santos, which included funeral details. Ryan also reshared the posts and the obituary, per People.
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Oaklynn’s funeral service will take place Thursday, Feb. 26, in Dublin, Tex., followed by a graveside service Friday, Feb. 27, in Cherokee, Okla., per Santos’ post and the obituary shared online.
Tributes from across the sport
Company Simply Equine & K9, which specializes in the health of horses and dogs and has had Kelsie as a team member for four years, shared a joint Instagram tribute Feb. 20, per E! News. The company was among those honouring Oaklynn online, per People.
“Our hearts are shattered beyond words,” the company wrote alongside a montage of Oaklynn with animals and family. “Sweet Oaklynn gained her angel wings far too soon. Please continue praying for Kelsie, Ryan, her family and everyone that loved this precious soul.”
A video shared by Taormino Performance Horses showed a rider tucking pink flowers into her saddle, captioned, “Your baby girl is with us today, Kels and Ryan,” per People.
Breakaway roper Haley Sage Wright also joined the tribute, writing on Instagram Stories, “Pink in honor of the toughest little cowgirl,” per E! News.
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