A father is being called a hero after risking his life to save his son.
Landis Hooks, 40, of Louisiana watched as his son was thrown from a bull's back during a Texas rodeo. It happened just seconds after the bull was released.
His son, Cody, just 18, lay on the ground, unconscious and in harm's way.
Handlers tried to wrangle the beast but couldn't control it quickly enough. Just before it started charging back at Cody, the young man's father jumped into the ring and threw his body on top of his son's.
Cody shared a video of the incident on his Instagram page. "Not one to post falling off," the young rider wrote, "but big thanks to my dad @hooks.landis and the bullfighters last night in Belton, Tx could’ve been a hella lot worse. #blessed."
In the video, Landis lies down on top of his son just before the bull comes back and bucks at them both.
The hero dad spoke to Good Morning America about the scary incident. "No matter what, I'm gonna do what I gotta do for him," he said. "Right out the gate, he fell off."
The video is pretty scary, but it also shows the incredible love of a parent. It's easy to see why it's been viewed nearly 200,000 times since it was posted on February 13. It's got "hero dad" written all over it.
Rodeoing is an incredibly dangerous career. According to the World Health Organization, the US Professional Rodeo Circuit averages one or two deaths every year. More often, riders suffer serious spinal or brain injuries.
Bull riders must have an absolute love and commitment to the sport. It's clear that Cody Hooks loves what he does, and he obviously has a deeply supportive dad by his side.
Stay safe out there, Cody!
