Delaware man killed after rodeo fall

A 40-year-old Delaware man was killed Sunday night when he was thrown from, and stomped by, the bull he was riding at a rodeo event. Leonel Trejo, 40, of New Castle was rushed from the NUR Shriners Temple to Christiana Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Around 9:30 p.m., Trejo was thrown from the bull after riding it for about a minute. The bull then “stepped on his chest area,” likely causing the fatal injuries that medical examiners will investigate during an autopsy.

A Delaware State Police spokesman said that Trejo, an experienced bull rider, was not wearing protective equipment at the time but that such gear “is not required during Mexican bull-riding events.” State Police Cpl. Jeffrey Hale said the investigation is ongoing.

Attempts to reach someone from the NUR temple, which also hosted a “Rock-N-Rods” car show, swap meet and collectibles show on Sunday, for information about the incident itself were unsuccessful yesterday. However, a member who used to handle hall rentals said “a Mexican promoter” organized the event.

Follow Brian Hickey on Twitter @MetroBHickey.