Aaron Hammer readied his son Pistol, 3, for the mutton-busting event at the Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo two weeks ago. Hammer was critically injured Saturday (Sept. 7) after being stepped on by a horse at the Sumas Bull-a-Rama.
Horse steps on Aaron Hammer at Bull-a-Rama
Professional rodeo rider and Twisp native Aaron Hammer was badly injured Saturday (Sept. 7) at a rodeo in Sumas.
Hammer was in critical condition Tuesday (Sept. 10) at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, according to hospital spokeswoman Hilary Andrade.
Hammer was undergoing multiple surgeries to treat internal bleeding and a damaged liver, his sister, Katie Desjardins, said.
Desjardins and most of the rest of Hammer’s immediate family were at the hospital on Monday.
“We welcome all prayers for his recovery,” Desjardins said.
Hammer’s horse threw him and then stepped on him during a bronc-riding event at the invitation-only Sumas Bull-a-Rama, Desjardins said.
Hammer, 29, lives in Warden but was born and raised in the Methow Valley. His sister said he has been involved in rodeo since he was 6 years old.
In the Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo one week earlier, Hammer finished first in ranch saddle bronc riding and took second place overall in bull riding.
Hammer’s parents are Roger and Anna Hammer. Roger Hammer’s grandparents homesteaded in the Methow Valley, Desjardins said.
Friends of the Hammer family have created a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to support the family while Aaron Hammer is recovering. Click this link to visit the GoFundMe page for updates and to donate.
