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USATSI

PBR riders will be donating their upcoming paychecks to the family of fallen bull rider Amadeu Campos Silva. Silva, who was just 22 years old, died last Sunday during a competition at a Velocity Tour event in Fresno, Calif.

Per a press release, the entire $100,000 athlete purse for PBR Air Force Reserve Cowboys for a Cause, which takes place on Saturday, will be donated to Silva's family. PBR has launched a donations page in Silva's honor and plans to match fan donations up to $100,000 as well as the $100,000 purse.

"Amadeu's passing pains us to the core," PBR Commissioner and CEO Sean Gleason said in a statement. "His main goal wasn't trophies or buckles or bragging rights, it was to put food on his family's table. No amount of money can bring Amadeu back to his family, but we imagine he'd be very happy to know about these efforts led by his fellow riders in the locker room to help care for them."

During last Sunday's PBR event, Silva was stomped by a bull and suffered severe chest injuries, which led to his death. He was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.  Silva fell from his seat 5.31 seconds into his run.

PBR livestock Cody Lambert said that Silva's death was a "freak accident." Silva's spur got tangled up with the bull and turned him upside down under the back leg of the bull.

Silva, who was from Brazil, came to the United States to chase his PBR dreams. He ended up competing in the PBR World Finals in 2020 and was one of the rising stars in the sport.