Update on Tallahassee’s bull injury during a rodeo event in Central Florida

From its inception, Walker Smith’s fighting spirit and drive were evident injured during a rodeo event in Central Florida eight days ago.

Smith, 17, remains in intensive care at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne after he was hit and stomped by a bull at the Space Coast State Fair in Viera, Brevard County, on Friday, November 15.

Breathing through a tracheostomy tube, the Tallahassee bull riding champion communicates through eye blinks.

After the family learned Smith may be paralyzed, the teenager began to move his arms and legs slightly. There is also a chance that doctors will remove his chest tubes soon.

GoFundMe page setup; family overwhelmed by the outpouring of support

The Smith family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and prayers from family, friends and strangers.

AND GoFundMe page The effort, started by friends to help provide financial assistance, raised nearly $7,000. A prayer circle will be held at the Fort Braden baseball field on Saturday, November 23 at 8 p.m.

“So many people have reached out to us,” Walker’s father, Danny Smith, said Saturday from Melbourne.

“The prayers, love and support have been overwhelming. It’s a great thing, but not in a bad way. People came up and hugged us, donated money, bought us rooms and food. We are simply blown away by Walker’s overwhelming support.”

Walker started riding miniature bulls when he was just 12 years old. The Florida Virtual School graduate competes in the World Championship Bull Riding (WCMB) and was named the 2022 Junior Bull Riding Champion of the Year.

After suffering an injury a week ago on Friday, Smith left the arena. After calling medical staff over the phone, Smith was airlifted to the hospital with two collapsed lungs and bleeding on the brain.

Danny Smith, married to Sabrina with two other children, said the family relies on their faith. The family motto at that time was: #WALKER STRONG.

“Small victories lead to big victories,” Smith said.

This article originally appeared on the Tallahassee Democrat: Health update for bull rider Walker “Hollywood” Smith