The 31-year-old bull rider died in a motorcycle crash at a Mesa, Ariz., intersection that has seen three major collisions within one week
Credit: Morgan Alexander Julian/Facebook
NEED TO KNOW
- Professional bull rider Morgan Julian died May 30 in a motorcycle crash in Mesa, Ariz.
- Friends and family are remembering the 31-year-old as a devoted father, mentor and beloved member of the rodeo community
- Julian’s fatal crash marked the third major collision reported at the same Mesa intersection within one week, according to local reports
The Arizona rodeo community is mourning the loss of professional bull rider Morgan Julian after the 31-year-old died in a motorcycle crash.
Julian was killed on Saturday, May 30, after a crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle near Signal Butte Road and State Route 24, according to the Mesa Police Department, as reported by NBC affiliate 12News. Officers responded to the scene Saturday evening, where Julian was pronounced dead.
In the days since his death, friends, family members and fellow riders have remembered Julian not only for his accomplishments in bull riding, but for the way he encouraged others, mentored younger competitors and carried himself both inside and outside the arena.
“That guy really rode bulls really good, was a real cowboy,” friend Tonka Baj told Fox10. “Morgan was a very genuine dude. Obviously, loved riding bulls but more importantly loved helping other guys achieve their goals and help them and make them better.”
Credit: Morgan Alexander Julian/Facebook
Julian was well known throughout Arizona’s rodeo scene and frequently traveled to New River to compete in events at the Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon, the outlet reported. Friends also described Julian as a devoted father who centered much of his life around his three children.
“He was an amazing dad,” friend Kelly Jo Hinshaw told Fox10. “Brought his kids everywhere with him and kept them a part of the rodeo world and all while being a good dad and a great bull rider and just a great friend to everybody.”
About a year ago, Julian stepped away from active competition to focus more on raising his children, according to the outlet. But even after leaving the arena as a competitor, friends said he remained closely connected to the sport by judging rodeo events.
“He caught on pretty quickly so that he could always come out there and still be around it,” Baj told the outlet. “You still get the butterflies of being around it, but it’s also safer when you’re sitting on the fence and not strapped to cattle.”
As tributes continued pouring in online, members of the rodeo community began organizing events to support Julian’s family and celebrate his life.
“Our Rodeo community is heartbroken by the loss of Morgan Julian,” a post shared to the Cave Creekers Infamous Bulletin Board Facebook page read. “His passing has left an unimaginable void, and our thoughts and prayers are with his children, family, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
According to the post, community members are organizing a benefit bull-riding event and fundraiser on June 20 at the Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon in New River, Ariz. Organizers said proceeds from silent auctions, raffles and fundraising efforts will go directly toward supporting Julian’s family.
The Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon also shared a tribute describing Julian as a “beloved friend, father, bull rider, judge, and member of our community who was taken from us far too soon.”
Julian’s family said a memorial service will be held on June 13 at Mountain View United Methodist Church in Cottonwood, Arizona, according to a social media post.
Credit: Morgan Alexander Julian/Facebook
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Meanwhile, renewed attention has focused on the intersection where Julian died.
Julian’s crash marked the third major collision reported at Signal Butte Road and State Route 24 within one week, according to local news outlets. A 51-year-old man was killed there on May 24 after a collision involving a van carrying multiple passengers, while another serious crash on May 26 left one person hospitalized, ABC15 reported.
Both earlier crashes were reportedly linked to drivers running red lights, heightening concerns among local residents about safety at the intersection, the outlet reported.
“I don’t know what can be done, but you’re taking your life in your hands when you go that way,” resident Patty Lesperance told ABC15. “It’s that dangerous.”
Mesa police said that the cause of Julian’s crash remains under investigation and that additional patrols are planned for the area as city officials continue discussing safety concerns surrounding the intersection, per ABC15.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Mesa Police Department for comment.
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