Nebraska Ranch and Rodeo Cowboy Struck by Lightning

BY KENDRA SANTOS COURTESY OF TETONRIDGEPLUS.COM

Rodeo family prayers for the heartbroken family and friends of Nebraska timed-event cowboy Terrel Vineyard, who headed to Heaven at 27 after being struck by lightning while horseback with a rope in his hand last Wednesday, June 21. Terrel’s horse “Dose” died with him.

Terrel roped calves and team roped. Also a lifelong ranch cowboy, he moved back home to the family ranch in 2017, and has worked side by side with his dad, Shawn— just like old times in Terrel’s childhood—ever since. In 2020, Terrel met the love of his life,

Stacey, and also fell in love with her three little girls, Maddie, Aubree and Blayke. Terrel and Stacey were newlyweds, after getting married on February 10 earlier this year.

Terrel is survived by Stacey and those darling little girls, Maddie, Aubree and Blayke; his mom and dad, Shawn and Nancy Vineyard; his big sister, Tori Vineyard Scantling, her husband, and their kids, Cedar and JD.

Terrel’s memorial service was held on, Tuesday, June 27 at the Garden County Fairgrounds Arena in Lewellen, Nebraska, with Pastor Matt Waitley of the New Hope Church in Ogallala officiating. Attendees are encouraged to come horseback, as Terrel’s family would love to fill that arena with cowboy and cowgirl friends on their horses in his honor.

Burial will follow the service at the Antelope Valley Cemetery near Oshkosh. A memorial account has been set up for Stacey Vineyard at the Nebraska State Bank, PO Box 260, Oshkosh, NE 69154.