Calico Rock Student Paralyzed Following Rodeo Accident

A 15-year-old student from Calico Rock is fighting for his recovery after a devastating accident at a rodeo in Green Forest. Samuel Speak, who recently completed the ninth grade, suffered severe spinal injuries while participating in a bronc riding event.

According to Dillon Kingery, Speak's future father-in-law, the injury occurred after Speak was thrown from his horse and subsequently stepped on by the animal. The force of the accident resulted in two broken vertebrae in his neck and an additional fracture. Speak was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, where he remains in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Medical professionals have provided a sobering prognosis regarding Speak's mobility. Following surgery to address the spinal damage, doctors informed the family that Speak will likely never walk again. Despite the grim outlook, there has been a small glimmer of hope; Kingery noted that Speak reported feeling some numbness and tingling in his legs after the procedure. However, his condition remains critical, and he was intubated on Monday after experiencing a dangerous drop in oxygen levels.

Beyond the rodeo arena, Speak is an active member of his community and a basketball player for Calico Rock. Since the start of summer break, he has dedicated nearly every weekend to rodeo competition. While he primarily specializes in bronc riding, he has also competed in bull riding on two occasions.

The family continues to navigate this tragedy as Speak remains under close medical supervision in Springfield.