Bull Rider Nearly Dies After Freak Neck Impalement — A Miracle Survival Story
On February 7, 2025, during the Conley Invitational Bull Ride event in Palmetto, Florida, a shocking accident occurred when Zach Naegele, a 24-year-old bull rider, was struck directly in the neck by a bull’s horn.
Immediately after the impact, Zach collapsed in the arena and began losing copious amounts of blood — according to his own account, he lost over two gallons of blood. The horn caused severe damage: nerve injury and laceration to a small carotid artery. In surgery, doctors repaired the vascular injury, treated soft tissue damage, and performed plastic reconstruction on his neck.
Zach revealed that, right after the horn struck, he didn’t immediately feel intense pain — he thought he had broken his jaw. When he touched his chin, blood spurted from his neck, and he realized the gravity of the injury. During transport to the hospital, he gradually lost consciousness and had to fight for his life at every moment.
Medical personnel at the scene worked urgently, applying pressure to the neck without blocking the airway to contain the bleeding. The cut was long and deep, dangerously close to critical blood vessels.
After surgery, Zach remained hospitalized for recovery. He had a drainage tube in his neck and was waiting for the doctors to decide when it could be removed. Fortunately, he has been stabilized and was discharged, returning to Louisiana, though further hospital visits are needed for ongoing care.
Zach is not new to bull riding — he’s been riding bulls since age 15. After the incident, he declared that he plans to return to the sport once he recovers. He also expressed gratitude to those who prayed, called, messaged, and supported him financially. His GoFundMe campaign to cover medical costs had raised over $6,500 by February 14, 2025.
Losing over two gallons of blood sounds extreme — in reality, an adult’s total blood volume is about 10–12 pints (4.7–5.7 L). If the figure is literal, he nearly lost essentially all his blood. It may be a hyperbolic or approximated figure. The wound’s proximity to vital structures (arteries, nerves, airway) made it extremely life-threatening. Prompt first aid and bleeding control at the scene are crucial to prevent instantaneous death. His decision to continue in such a dangerous sport after such an event shows tremendous willpower — but also underscores the constant risk involved.
In summary, Zach’s accident is not only shocking in its severity, but also stands as a testament to human resilience when emergency response is swift and the individual resolves to survive. He was extremely fortunate to live — and his story will likely resonate within the bull riding community and among those fascinated by high-risk sports.