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McConnel survives major accident

World No. 6 will make it to Round 1 on Friday

LAS VEGAS (October 28, 2009) - Ryan McConnel was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident Tuesday outside of Colgate, Okla.
 
At approximately 5 p.m., the 22-year-old was traveling on a rural state highway when an apparent drunk driver signaled to make a right-hand turn. As McConnel began passing to the left of the car, it made a sudden and unexpected turn that ultimately lodged the car underneath McConnel’s truck behind the front passenger tire.

“As soon as I got sideways in the road, it flipped five or six times,” said McConnel, who was conscious throughout the entire accident.

McConnel, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to a local hospital where he remained until being released early Wednesday morning.

In an interview Wednesday evening, McConnel vividly recalled the details of the accident.

After the windows shattered and the roof began caving in on top of him, McConnel said he remembers putting his right hand on what he thought was the ceiling. It was the pavement.

Miraculously, McConnel, who to this point said he’s been “enjoying the greatest year” of his life, survived. He escaped with scrapes, scratches and cuts to his head and arms, along with a puncture wound to the back of his left lung. McConnel also said he’s unsure of what happened to his right shoulder, but that it’s sore as well.

“I couldn’t fly tonight because of (the punctured lung),” he said, “because if I get that high in the air, my lung could collapse. They said (my) best bet would be driving.”

McConnel said doctors told him that his lung will still allow him to breath heavily, and he hopes the puncture, which is the size of a pencil, will begin to close by the time he competes in Round 1 of the 2009 PBR World Finals on Friday night. The third-year pro enters this year’s Finals ranked sixth in the world standings.

He is currently driving from Oklahoma to Las Vegas in order to arrive on time for the rider check-in that takes place Thursday morning. McConnel also said he has a portable “breathing device” with that he uses from time to time to help rebuild his lung capacity.

“I came out really, really good,” he said. “I’m all right. I’ll be fine.”

—by Keith Ryan Cartwright


51 Comments
  • rodeofan1963
    November 6, 2009
    Hi there Ryan: I was watching Round 2 of the PBR World Finals on Channel 4 here in Denver and heard about your accident.I was pumped that you not only survived but you got on a bull.You rock!!!I was hella proud of you even if he did buck you off.The Big Cowboy upstairs has some really special plans in store for you my man.You're giving it more try than most people would and should be admired and respected for that.Give it to 'em out in Vegas buddy!I just went to Sankey Rodeo School in Penrose,Colorado in OCT 2009 to study bullriding and man was that a fun time.The rush you feel when the gate swings open is hard to describe to someone who hasn't ridden a bull.I'm 45 but it's never too late when it's something you've waited to do for yur whole life.I'm going to start rodeoing and going to some bull riding events even though my wife gave me a choice of that or her and the kid.I'm riding anyway since my son wouldn't ask me to give up my dream and neither would my parents or any of my other blood relatives.Way to cowboy up Ryan.I hope God continues to protect and bless you. Guy and Neil Morris Littleton,Colorado
  • chadro
    November 1, 2009
    glad to hear you are alive, what a miracle!
  • bevbrowne
    October 30, 2009
    So glad to hear that the Lord was watching over you and protected you in the wreck. Looking forward to seeing you ride at the world finals. We have really enjoyed watching you this season on BFTS and think you are a great guy & a great rider! Our family is in Southeast Kansas and are big fans of yours.
  • petunia
    October 30, 2009
    i'm so glad you are glad you are feeling better.Good Luck in the final's . I will be in vegas tomorrow night to watch the finals live.It will be fun to watch you ridePatty KoenigPortland OR
  • sbruland
    October 30, 2009
    Your Guardian Angel was with you.

    Good Luck during the Finals.

    Custer, WA
  • sbruland
    October 30, 2009
    Your Guardian Angel was with you.

    Good Luck during the Finals.

    Custer, WA
  • sbruland
    October 30, 2009
    Your Guardian Angel was you Ryan.

    Good Luck in the Finals.

    Custer, WA
  • pbrfan
    October 30, 2009
    Good luck, Ryan!!
  • Okie From Muskogee
    October 30, 2009
    Glad to hear that they can't keep a good OKIE down.Be smart and don't over do it and take good care of your self. Do what ever Dr Freeman tells you, Iam sure he will be keeping a close eye on you.May God take care an watch over you. You will be in my prayers.
  • Kimberly
    October 30, 2009
    Hi Ryan just wanted to say I work at the Atoka County Sheriff's Office when the 911 call came in about your wreck my dispatcher was the one who dispatched out all the emergency personal to your accident, it's few and far between when we get to hear the outcome of a wreck we worked. We are thrilled to hear that your doing well!! GO GET EM AT VEGAS :)
  • Kimberly
    October 30, 2009
    Hi Ryan just wanted to say I work at the Atoka County Sheriff's Office when the 911 call came in about your wreck my dispatcher was the one who dispatched out all the emergency personal to your accident, it's few and far between when we get to hear the outcome of a wreck we worked. We are thrilled to hear that your doing well!! GO GET EM AT VEGAS :)
  • kaykow
    October 30, 2009
    Love you Ryan! Glad to here you are doing well. Hope your lung clears up soon!
  • kaykow
    October 30, 2009
    Love you Ryan! Glad to here you are doing well. Hope your lung clears up soon!
  • tkmiller007
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, glad your okay. I hope you do well at the
    finals! We're behind you and interested in how you
    ride. Because you are from Colorado and New Mexico
    area. Best of Luck, it's good to see someone do well
    from here.
  • GSDgirl
    October 29, 2009
    I am SO glad you walked away without any serious injuries! Thank Heavens you were wearing a seat belt! Enjoy the finals. We're behind you all the way. Good luck in Vegas and "ride them bulls".
  • jtjerse22
    October 29, 2009
    OMG! I think Carrie Underwoods' song would suit this situation right now, "Jesus Take The Wheel".. So glad that you're alright. Good luck at the finals. Stay strong, you're an awesome rider. JTaylor/Ohio :)
  • jtjerse22
    October 29, 2009
    OMG! I think Carrie Underwoods' song would suit this situation right now, "Jesus Take The Wheel".. So glad that you're alright. Good luck at the finals. Stay strong, you're an awesome rider. JTaylor :)
  • hopimesa
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, You know God was with you and will walk with
    you. We don't know why things happen, but it's
    okay now. We are all praying for your safety on
    your ride to Vegas. All the best to you, sorry I
    didn't get to meet you in Connecticut at the
    Mohegan Event. Good luck in Vegas, Ray from CT
  • BullRidingIsArt
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, what a true blessing that you are not hurt and will be able to attend the finals. Good luck and I hope you know the Lord was wathing over you then as he will in Vegas and always.
  • doyce
    October 29, 2009
    Remember son deep seat and long breath and best of luck uncle doyce
  • gj
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, thank goodness you came out of this with no serious injuries. We are certainly looking forward to your riding in the finals, but hope you don't take any chances with your health for the future. My husband and I have spoken with you several times and each time I am more impressed with you. Take care and we'll be hoping for the best for your finals trip. Dan and Glenda (Florida)
  • eddfarms
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan you are ablessed young man just met you in person here on monday and that was great Isure took the heat from my wife because she didn't get to see you. then tuesday evening heard the ambulance and police leaving town and a few minutes later my brother called and said you was involved in accident he witnessed as he walked to your vehicle he said there was abrand new bull rope then he got to meet you also wished you the best in vegas was amazed you survived this. my son had one very similar to yours he survived a was changed forever.hope you care this with you through your career. live and fullfill your dream of a world champion for the Lord is on your side.
  • kowkrazy
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, thank God you are okay. Hope your Vegas drive was uninventful and take it easy and do your best.
  • wojo62
    October 29, 2009
    Scary!! So glad he is OK.
  • blowd
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, I am so happy that you survived thar horrific
    looking accident. I guess you had a guardin angel
    in you p!@#enger seat THANK GOD!!! Hope you feel
    better and best of luck at the finals.

    Bobbie
    NH Fan
  • FlashOBlue
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, I thank God that you're alive. PLease take of yourself and know how many fans are pulling for you! Take good care!
  • pbrvegas77
    October 29, 2009
    GOD is so graciuos, had you in His hand, and by looking at the picture of the truck, Thank GOD you excape with only a punctured lung and few scratches,.. time to think about JESUS as LORD, he spared you to see another day and breathe another breath of air,....

    GOD BLESS, see ya at the finals.

    P/S you might even win the Finals event.
  • pbrvegas77
    October 29, 2009
    GOD is so graciuos, had you in His hand, and by looking at the picture of the truck, Thank GOD you excape with only a punctured lung and few scratches,.. time to think about JESUS as LORD, he spared you to see another day and breathe another breath of air,....

    GOD BLESS, see ya at the finals.
  • k9stylequeen
    October 29, 2009
    WOW! that is scary! Drunk drivers need to be punished to the absolute maximum limit of the law and given no second chances! It's only by the Grace of God that Ryan survived this and will be able to ride this weekend. A fellow dog groomer (well known in the industry for her seminars and her column in Groomer to Groomer Magazine) was not so lucky this week. She, and her two year old son, were killed, and her husband, mother, and daughter injured, in a car accident also Tuesday. Their van rolled over multiple times, too, into a ditch in Washington state. Their vehicle was mangled almost as much as Ryan's. Less-important, but more important than the vehicle, her beloved dog was in the van with them and has not been seen since the wreck.

    Prayers for Ryan to ride well and above all SAFELY this weekend and next. And of course prayers for my cohort's family in their time of sorrow.
  • countrygirl1995
    October 29, 2009
    Thank goodness you are okay. Your guardian angel was definitly with you. That must have been so scary. I'm just glad you didn't get any worse injurys, compared to your truck it could of been much, much worse.

    Good luck at the finals, and stay extra safe
  • countrygirl1995
    October 29, 2009
    Thank goodness you are okay. Your guardian angel was definitly with you. That must have been so scary. I'm just glad you didn't get any worse injurys, compared to your truck it could of been much, much worse.

    Good luck at the finals, and stay extram safe
  • reznibd
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan, thank the good Lord you are okay. You're one of my favorites, but I would hate to see you further injure yourself by riding so soon. Of course, Tandy won't let you go, if you aren't ready. Will keep you and the many others in my prayers, incl. the bulls.
  • Nancy Main
    October 29, 2009
    Thank god a angel was on your shoulder watching over you that you wasn't hurt worse. Your truck can be replaced but you can't.
  • i love pbr
    October 29, 2009
    thank good that you are ok and glad to hear how well you are doing and you never know what
    is going to happen on a day to day and glad that you were not hurt and the lord was looking
    out for you that day count your blessing
  • chrisl
    October 29, 2009
    Ryan must of had a whole truck load of angels riding with him. Sorry to hear about
    the wreck but the most important thing is that Ryan is okay. Take care Ryan and will be watching you in the finals.
    Christina Little
    Shawnee, Ok.
    chrisl@astribe.com
  • alade3746
    October 29, 2009
    So glad to hear you are OK Ryan. Hojokate, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose one of my children. My three are all in their 30's but as a Mom you still worry about them every day. My thoughts are with you. You just never know what is going to happen when you get into a car. Even if you drive perfectly safe that doesn't mean that the other drivers on the road are doing the same.
  • Shannon K
    October 29, 2009
    So thankful that Ryan didn't sustain any more severe injuries in his wreck! I hope the driver of the other vehicle wasn't badly injured either.
  • quilliam
    October 29, 2009
    So happy to read that Ryan is OK. There is little doubt that he was being watched over. Have a great time at the finals....
  • sixdaddy
    October 29, 2009
    God allowed Ry to make it through that for a reason. He may have " A Little " help with him at the finals. J.K. Glad your ok. Make the most of a second chance! Ride hard and give God the Glory!
  • loganchloe
    October 29, 2009
    How scary, I am so sorry that that happened, and I love you! Logan Harrington (5 years old) P.S. Good luck in Vegas! We will be watching!
  • webpbr
    October 29, 2009
    hojokate, sorry to hear about your son. I have two children and can't imagine losing either one of them. Glad Ryan is ok, well... not seriously injured. I hope he gets to ride in the finals.
  • hojokate
    October 29, 2009
    You are so very lucky.

    My only child, Jack, was killed by a drunk driver, in a very similar, rollover accident.
    My son was also wearing a seat belt...but that didn't save him. So I know what could have
    happened to you.

    Thank God you are alright. I hope that you get to Vegas, alright, and all your rides go well.
    Hope none of them are too painful for you.
  • shywolf3
    October 29, 2009
    The good lord was looking out for you big guy. Stay safe on your trip to Vegas and the best of luck to you there. Your an awesome bull rider.
  • cactus-sue
    October 29, 2009
    Thank God Ryan is ok! By the looks of the truck, things could have been so much worse. Please take good care Ryan, and will keep you in my prayers.
  • dsw
    October 28, 2009
    OMG, thank God he was wearing a set belt. You will be in my thoughts & prayers!!
  • TWTX
    October 28, 2009
    Looking at the truck, praise God that Ryan did not have more severe injuries
    or worse. It is amazing that you are even able to drive, much less ride a bull.
    I hope that you will be healthy enough to compete. I am looking forward to seeing
    you ride in Vegas, but only if you are healthy enough to do so safely.
  • canterluver64
    October 28, 2009
    OMG, you are so lucky. thank God you are okay. Sorry about your truck. I know you got it rigged out with some new stuff. The main thing is you are alive. Please drive safely and good luck at finals.
  • BigAppleBullFan
    October 28, 2009
    Wow Ryan. I am so glad that you are not more badly injured; from the looks of your vehicle it must have been horrible. We will all be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. good luck at the finals and a safe trip to Vegas and back Home. Take care of Yourself. Linda (NYC)
  • txpbrgal
    October 28, 2009
    I have been so busy getting ready for Vegas that I missed this till just now. I am so glad to hear that You are doing well. You are a very lucky man. Please drive safely the rest of the way and will see ya there.
  • JO_JO
    October 28, 2009
    Thank and praise God you are o.k....your one of my favorite
    bull riders..stay healthy!!
  • jlm
    October 28, 2009
    Thank the Lord that Ryan is ok!! His guardian angel was definitely with him!! Glad to hear he is well enough to compete at the finals..

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