Norton Event Honors Bull Rider Killed After Being Trampled By Bull

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NORTON (CBS) - People gathered Saturday night to honor a bull rider who died this week after being stepped on by the animal while training.

New England Rodeo organized a benefit for 35-year-old Evaldo DeSilva, was riding the training bull at the New England Rodeo on Wednesday.

"A big friend of mine just called me and said, 'Hey, we need you there and not for us but for him' and I said, 'No, I will be there no matter what,'" said Renato Souza, a friend of DeSilva.

People gathered Saturday night to honor a bull rider who died this week after being stepped on by the animal while training. (WBZ-TV)

DeSilva, who was wearing protective gear, fell from the bull onto the ground.

While on the ground, DeSilva was stepped on, and fatally injured.

Evaldo DeSilva. (Image Credit: New England Rodeo)

Saturday's rodeo helped raise money to cover funeral expenses for DeSilva's family. His remains are being sent back to his family in Brazil.

Norton Police are still investigating, but say his death appears to be a tragic accident.