Tragic Loss for Rodeo Champion Kelsie Domer
Champion breakaway roper Kelsie Domer is mourning the devastating loss of her three-year-old daughter, Oaklynn, following a tragic accident involving one of their horses. The 10-time Women's Professional Rodeo Association world champion shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, posting her daughter's obituary which revealed Oaklynn died on February 19, 2026.
A Life Cut Short
"Oaklynn packed a lot in her short time with us," reads the obituary by Harrell Funeral Home and Lanman Funeral Home, as reported by People magazine. The tribute paints a vivid picture of a fearless little cowgirl who traveled the rodeo circuit across the United States, practiced with her parents, and loved her family deeply. According to the obituary, she adored "frogs, horses, everybody's puppies, going to 'yodeos', and hanging out with all her friends."
The tribute continues, describing Oaklynn as someone who "did not know a stranger and lit up the room the minute she made her grand entrance." Kelsie, 35, shares Oaklynn with her husband Ryan Domer. While neither parent has spoken publicly in detail about the tragedy, both have reshared tributes and memorial posts on social media platforms.
The Day of the Accident
According to reports from Rodeo Life and E! News, the tragic incident occurred when Kelsie was holding Oaklynn while leading one of their horses. The animal experienced a sudden medical episode and fell on them in what has been described as a "freak" accident. While Kelsie survived the incident, despite life-saving efforts, three-year-old Oaklynn succumbed to her injuries.
Taste of Country also reported on the tragedy, confirming that Oaklynn died following the accident involving a horse, as per People magazine's coverage. The details of the medical episode that caused the horse to fall remain unclear, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the rodeo community.
Community Support and Memorials
In the days following the tragedy, the rodeo community has rallied around the grieving Domer family. Kelsie has shared "Be The Light" pink memorial caps available in Oaklynn's memory and reposted a tribute from prominent rodeo journalist Kendra Santos, which included funeral service details. Ryan Domer has also reshared these posts and the obituary, according to People magazine.
Oaklynn's funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, in Dublin, Texas, followed by a graveside service on Friday, February 27, in Cherokee, Oklahoma, according to Santos' social media post and the obituary shared online.
Tributes from Across the Rodeo World
Company Simply Equine & K9, which specializes in the health of horses and dogs and has had Kelsie as a team member for four years, shared a joint Instagram tribute on February 20, as reported by E! News. The company was among numerous organizations and individuals honoring Oaklynn online.
"Our hearts are shattered beyond words," the company wrote alongside a montage of Oaklynn with animals and family members. "Sweet Oaklynn gained her angel wings far too soon. Please continue praying for Kelsie, Ryan, her family and everyone that loved this precious soul."
A video shared by Taormino Performance Horses showed a rider tucking pink flowers into her saddle, captioned, "Your baby girl is with us today, Kels and Ryan," according to People magazine. Breakaway roper Haley Sage Wright also joined the tribute, writing on Instagram Stories, "Pink in honor of the toughest little cowgirl," as reported by E! News.
The outpouring of support demonstrates how deeply the rodeo community has been affected by this tragedy. Kelsie Domer, known for her championship performances in breakaway roping, now faces the unimaginable loss of her young daughter while the community that has celebrated her victories now mourns with her family.
