Promising young cowboy, 16, killed in freak accident after his family moved to Montana and opened ranch
A teen rodeo star who trained horses for professional cowboys has tragically died just months after his family relocated to build their ranch business.
A teen rodeo star who trained horses for professional cowboys has tragically died just months after his family relocated to build their ranch business.
Gage Holzum, 16, was killed in a freak tractor accident on his familys Montana ranch on March 3, just years after the family moved from California to pursue their ranching dreams.
The talented teen had already made a name for himself in the competitive world of rodeo, specializing in heading - a challenging roping technique that requires precise horsemanship and timing.
The accident occurred in Forepaugh, Arizona, at his familys winter home, according to the Team Roping Journal Magazine.
Its unclear exactly at this time what caused the accident or Gages tragic death.
Holzums family had recently relocated from Oakdale, California, to Rapejle, Montana, where they run up to 500 cattle.
They also operate Holzum Quarter Horses, specializing in ranch-raised horses.
They had begun spending winters in Arizona to continue their training programs year-round.
A teen rodeo star who trained horses for professional cowboys has tragically died just months after his family relocated to build their ranch business
Gage had already achieved what many horse trainers only dream of at his young age.
The first head horse Gage ever trained himself is currently being ridden by Rhen Richard, a five-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier whom the teenager deeply admired.
Hes from a long line of ranchers on both sides of his family.
Gages mother Jennifers family has multiple generations of ranching experience in California, while father Tylers roots are firmly planted in Montanas ranching tradition.
His family said he was not only passionate and successful in his work but was also just good to the soul.
Gage was pretty soft-hearted, but was very hard on himself and a perfectionist to the point where if he ran 20 to 30 steers and roped one neck, he was mad, said Gages dad, Tyler, to the Team Roping Journal Magazine.
Gage was just good to the soul. He was extremely loyal and polite, and didnt cuss or drink. He was clean cut and professional.
Gage Holzum, 16, was killed in a freak tractor accident on his familys Montana ranch on March 3, just years after the family moved from California to pursue their ranching dreams
Gage loved roping, guns, ranching and branding calves, and was very proud of his horses. Their mane was braided, and his tack was clean and oiled.
He roped the dummy every night, and was into every detail of the mechanics of roping. He watched a million roping videos, and really looked up to the rodeo and futurity guys. He had his sights set on training futurity rope horses.
Tractor accidents are the leading cause of fatal injuries on US farms, causing an average of about 130 deaths per year, according to the National Ag Safety Database (NASD).