The 2024 World Champion, who tied for fifth place in Round 1 of the PBR Tucson with an 88.25-point ride on Washita Red, was aiming to climb higher in Round 2 on Cliff Hanger.
Unfortunately, after bucking off at 5.36 seconds, Dias was thrown into the steel chutes and hit the ground, screaming in pain.
Dr. Tandy Freeman and the PBR sports medicine team quickly attended to Dias, who was stretchered out of the arena. As he left, he gave the crowd a thumbs-up.
However, the update was less positive. Reporter Kate Harrison revealed that Dias had fractured his right femur.
Dias was rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery immediately.
The following day, his wife, Juliana, shared a photo of Dias smiling on Instagram, confirming the surgery’s success.
“The surgery was a success, by God’s grace and my mother’s protection,” Juliana wrote. “With everyone’s support, nothing can defeat us; it only makes us stronger.
“Cássio will recover soon and return to what he loves most. This man has incredible strength.”
The timeline for Dias’s recovery remains uncertain, but he will miss substantial time, jeopardizing his title defense.
Before being transported, Dias, visibly in pain, expressed his emotions to Harrison.“I’m very, very sad.”
