Mother of B.C. bull rider who died warns of implications of concussions

MERRITT, B.C. – The mother of a Canadian bull riding champion who was found dead Monday is warning about the dangers of concussions.

The RCMP in Ty Pozzobon’s hometown of Merritt, B.C., say they didn’t consider the 25-year-old man’s death suspicious and the provincial coroner had taken over the investigation.

In a statement, Pozzobon’s mother Leanne drew attention to head injuries in relation to her son’s death.

“It’s important that people know about the implications of head injuries as a result of concussions,” she said.

Her statement makes no other reference to a cause of death.

Neither the police nor coroner have released Pozzobon’s cause of death.

Pozzobon was the 2016 Professional Bull Riders Canada champion and a four-time PBR world finalist finishing a career-high fourth last year.

A statement on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association website says Pozzobon was a talent that comes along seldom in any sport, yet his ability to pick up the spirits of those around him was a talent as great as his superstar ability to ride the rankest bulls in the industry. (The Canadian Press, CHQR)