(Editor's note: PBR media release)
PUEBLO, Colo. – Eight-time PBR World Finals qualifier Fabiano Vieira remains at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas, following injuries sustained during the PBR Touring Pro Division event in Stamford, Texas, on Wednesday night at the 90th annual Texas Cowboy Reunion rodeo.
The 37-year-old was attempting to ride Stone Cold Crazy.
Vieira was transported to Anson General Hospital in Anson, Texas, before later being transferred to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene for additional care and surgery.
Vieira was diagnosed with a skull fracture, underwent brain surgery early Thursday morning and is now in an induced coma and relaxed.
“The entire PBR family is sending our love and support to Fabiano and his family as we wish him a speedy recovery,” said PBR Commissioner Sean Gleason. “Over the years, Fabiano has been one of our most accomplished and popular riders who adds a lot of personality to the locker room. We hope to see him return soon.”
Vieira is the No. 10 ranked bull rider in the world. The captain of Team Can-Am most recently led his unit to a playoff berth at the Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by U.S. Border Patrol.
The fan favorite became the fourth oldest bull rider to win a premier series event this past April when he won the PBR Las Vegas Invitational, presented by Union Home Mortgage. Vieira concluded the first half of the season 13-for-32 (40.63%) with a victory and three Top-10 finishes.
The Perola, Brazil, native moved to the United States in January 2010 and qualified for his first World Finals the following season, beginning a stretch of eight consecutive World Finals appearances.
Vieira and his family’s well-being is on all of our minds at the PBR and we will provide additional updates as they become available.
