Texas Hill Country firefighter severely injured by bull at rodeo

Brandon Lee faces lengthy recovery after being caught between bull and gate

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A Hill Country firefighter is recovering after being attacked by a bull while working a rodeo in Bandera, Texas. Brandon Lee was left hospitalized with two broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a laceration to his left eye after being caught between the bull and a gate during the incident on February 23.

Why it matters

Rodeo events can pose serious risks to participants, and this incident highlights the dangers that first responders and public servants can face when helping to facilitate these events. Lee's injuries will require a lengthy recovery process, underscoring the need for proper safety protocols and support systems for those injured in the line of duty.

The details

According to a GoFundMe launched for Lee, the 25-year firefighter and father of three was "hooked and pinned between both the bull and a gate until others in the venue could come get the animal off of him." He was immediately taken to University Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU with a chest tube, two broken ribs, and stitches in his eye.

  • The incident occurred on February 23, 2026.

The players

Brandon Lee

A 25-year firefighter and father of three who was severely injured by a bull while working a rodeo event in Bandera, Texas.

Riding on Faith Rodeo

The rodeo event where the incident occurred, which Lee has been a part of for 9 years, working both ends of the arena and helping to prepare the arena.

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What they’re saying

“Brandon has been part of our Riding on Faith Rodeo family for 9 years. He has worked both ends of the arena and the arena itself as the dragger, shows up earlier to help prepare the arena and insure this the best it can be for the constants and livestock... Brand has been a firefighter and first responder for 25 years; he is a husband and father of 3 kids. He is always the first one to stand up to lend a hand to help and is always there when called. Now I am asking for anyone that can help to stand up and lets help Brandon through this recovery, it will take time to heal enough to get back to work for Brandon and I would like to help him and his family during this time to cover the out of pocket cost of the hospital and bills until he can get back to work.”

— Karen and Troy Konvicka, Organizers, Riding on Faith Rodeo (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The GoFundMe campaign launched to support Brandon Lee and his family during his recovery process is ongoing, and donations are being accepted to help cover his medical bills and expenses while he is unable to work.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks that first responders and public servants can face when supporting community events, and the importance of having proper safety protocols and support systems in place to protect those who put their lives on the line to serve others.