Oregon Rodeo Sued for $11.5M After Bull 'Party Bus' Leapt Into Crowd, Injuring Spectators

Two spectators injured when a bull cleared an arena fence and ran into the stands at the Sisters Rodeo in Oregon are seeking a combined $11.5 million in damages, alleging organizers and contractors failed to protect fans.

Incident and Lawsuits

The lawsuits arise from a June 8, 2024, incident in which a bull known as Party Bus jumped an arena fence, entered the spectator area and struck multiple people. Allison Hickey and Kristin and Andrew Wert filed separate complaints, according to court records and reporting by PEOPLE, The Oregonian, KPTV and KGW.

Allison Hickey's Claim

Hickey’s complaint seeks up to $9,250,606.01 from the Sisters Rodeo Association, Corey & Lange Rodeo Co. and Flying Diamond Rodeo LLC. The filing alleges that Hickey was walking along a spectator pathway outside the arena fence when Party Bus landed on top of her, knocking her to the ground and crushing her right shoulder and right calf.

The complaint says Hickey suffered a fractured shoulder that required surgery with a metal plate and multiple screws, a crush injury to her leg, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She has reportedly incurred more than $107,000 in medical expenses and faces ongoing and future medical costs. At 26, Hickey worked as a physical therapist; the suit alleges her injuries have substantially diminished her earning capacity and career prospects.

The Werts' Claim

Kristin and Andrew Wert’s separate lawsuit seeks roughly $2.3 million. According to local reports, Kristin Wert was struck from behind, thrown into the air and trampled after Party Bus entered the stands. The complaint alleges she sustained injuries to her legs, arms and shoulders and continues to experience migraines, dizziness, nausea and emotional distress related to a concussion.

Allegations About Safety and Conduct

Both lawsuits contend the rodeo’s fences were low enough to allow a bull to escape and that accumulated soil had effectively reduced fence height. Plaintiffs further assert that Party Bus displayed “dangerous propensities abnormal to its class,” making the escape foreseeable and preventable.

Hickey also alleges the Sisters Rodeo profited from the incident after it attracted national attention, claiming the event later sold merchandise depicting Party Bus jumping the fence. “What should have been a fun night was cut short when I was crushed by a bull,” Hickey said in a statement released through her attorney. “Instead of being met with compassion by The Sisters Rodeo, my trauma has been turned into profit.”

Responses and Aftermath

Corey & Lange Rodeo Co., the livestock contractor that supplied Party Bus, denied the allegations in court filings and argued the Sisters Rodeo Association bears primary responsibility for any injuries and damages. The Sisters Rodeo Association told The Oregonian it disputes claims that rodeo animals were treated inhumanely and said volunteers, contractors and contestants take care in maintaining livestock welfare and event safety.

The sold-out performance drew roughly 5,500 spectators, many reportedly singing along to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” when the bull escaped. Organizers initially said three spectators were injured, two were taken to a hospital and a responding sheriff’s deputy sustained minor injuries; officials described the injuries as non-life-threatening and later said those hospitalized had been released.

Days after the incident, Party Bus’ owner, Mike Corey, told the Associated Press the 3-year-old bull had been barred from future rodeo competition. “He simply went and jumped out of the arena,” Corey said. “It happens, and not very often, thank God.”

Note: Litigation is ongoing; allegations in the complaints have not been proven in court.