Stoddard County teenager dies weeks after bullriding accident

Daily Statesman

DEXTER, Mo. -- Bloomfield bullrider Danny Griffin, 14, died on Wednesday at St. Louis Children's Hospital from injuries sustained during a rodeo.

Griffin was injured on July 19 at the 40th annual Fredericktown Lions Club Rodeo, an International Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned event.

According to Chris Smith, chairman of the Lions Club rodeo, Griffin was thrown off the bull, and his hand became stuck in the ropes. After struggling and freeing himself from the rope, he landed on the ground and was stepped on by the bull.

He received medical treatment on the scene, was transferred to Madison Medical Center in Fredericktown and then flown by helicopter to St. Louis Children's Hospital. Griffin remained there on life support until his death.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bloomfield High School Gymnasium. A memorial fund has been set up for the Griffin family at the Bank of Advance. Anyone wishing to donate may send a check to: Danny Griffin Memorial Account, c/o Bank of Advance, P.O. Box 829, Dexter, Mo. 63841.