In a heartbreaking tragedy that has struck the tight-knit roping and rodeo community, 1-year-old Grayson Colt Bolejack, son of renowned rope horse futurity trainer Clyde Bolejack and his partner Sierra Branson, tragically lost his life in a house fire that engulfed the family’s home in Wichita Falls, Texas. Grayson, affectionately known as “JR” to family and friends, was beloved by all who knew him. The devastating fire, which took place on October 23, 2024, reduced the family’s home and all their belongings to ashes, leaving the family to grapple with the unimaginable loss of their only child.
Grayson, who would have celebrated his second birthday this Christmas, was remembered by his mother as a spirited and loving child who was “crazy for his cows” and loved to sing. On her Facebook page, Sierra Branson, age 23, shared a deeply emotional tribute to her son, describing the immense love and joy he brought to their lives. “To know Grayson Colt or ‘JR’ to many was to love him,” she wrote, reflecting on his infectious personality, boundless energy, and his captivating sense of humor. “Boy was he crazy for his cows and making you laugh… and boy oh boy did he LOVE to sing. He was so intelligent, loving, and most of all, my whole world.”
Sierra’s tribute captures the essence of a young life filled with promise and joy, tragically cut short. She went on to describe her own grief and the haunting image of losing her “whole world” in the fire. “I will never get the image of my whole world burning to nothing right in front of me out of my head,” she wrote. “My baby boy… my home… every single thing… all gone.” As Sierra grieves the loss of her beloved son, she expressed her fear of facing grief for the first time. “Grief terrifies me,” she admitted. “I’ve never lost a family member, I’ve never dealt with a loss of any type.” The grieving mother called for prayers as she faces the difficult days ahead, saying that all she can ask for is “strength to get through another day.”
The Fire and Its Impact on the Family and Community
The fire that claimed young Grayson’s life and left Clyde and Sierra without a home occurred just days after the conclusion of the American Rope Horse Futurity Association World Championship. Clyde, 23, is a celebrated rope horse futurity trainer whose work and dedication to the sport have made him a respected figure in the roping and rodeo communities. The couple’s lives, intertwined with the rodeo world and bonded by their shared passion for horses and training, have been utterly changed by the tragedy. The loss of their child, coupled with the destruction of their home, has left them in need of both emotional and material support as they face this devastating new reality.
As the Bolejack family struggles to recover, friends and family have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help them rebuild their lives. In the days since the fire, the rodeo community has rallied around Clyde and Sierra, sending messages of condolences and providing donations to assist with immediate needs. Roping, a close-knit community that celebrates traditions of resilience and camaraderie, has come together to offer support in whatever ways possible.
In addition to the GoFundMe, Clyde’s family has opened their address in Weatherford, Texas, for donations of clothing and household items, as Clyde and Sierra lost every possession in the blaze. The family has shared the specific clothing sizes for both Sierra and Clyde: Sierra wears a small in shirts, size 00/1 x 36 in pants, and size 8 shoes, while Clyde wears a large in shirts, size 31×36 jeans, and size 10.5 shoes. Those who wish to contribute directly can also do so via Clyde’s Venmo account (@Clyde-Bolejack).
Remembering Grayson Colt “JR” Bolejack
As friends and family share memories of young Grayson, or “JR,” as he was affectionately known, a picture of a spirited little boy emerges. Grayson’s love for animals, particularly cows, was a reflection of his family’s roots in rodeo and roping. His mother’s tribute recounts a child whose laughter and songs filled their home, bringing light and joy to all who encountered him. Sierra’s words paint a picture of a young life full of curiosity and playfulness, and the community remembers him as a child who brightened every room he entered.
The significance of Grayson’s nickname, “JR,” highlights his parents’ hope to pass down the legacy of horsemanship, roping, and the cowboy lifestyle that both Clyde and Sierra hold dear. Grayson’s curiosity and enthusiasm for life made him a natural fit in the world his parents had built around him, and his sudden loss is felt profoundly not only by his immediate family but by the broader community.
Community Response: Outpouring of Support from the Roping and Rodeo World
The roping community, united by a tradition of helping one another through hardships, has responded with remarkable generosity. Messages of sympathy and support have flooded social media, and members of the roping and rodeo communities have organized fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance for Clyde and Sierra as they mourn their son and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. For many, this tragedy hits close to home, as the community has experienced similar losses and hardships over the years.
Several prominent figures in the roping and rodeo community have posted tributes to Grayson and expressions of support for Clyde and Sierra. Rodeo organizations, including local and national chapters, have also organized fundraisers, donation drives, and memorial events to honor Grayson’s memory and provide comfort to the grieving family. The tragedy has underscored the strength and compassion of the roping community, as members band together to support one of their own during an unfathomable loss.
Reflections on Loss and Resilience in the Rodeo Community
For the rodeo and roping communities, Grayson’s death is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and, at times, tragic nature of life. The shared values of resilience and strength that define these communities are now reflected in their support for Clyde and Sierra. Many in the community have noted the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing family and friends, especially as they engage in a high-risk sport that often brings them face-to-face with life’s uncertainties.
As they come to terms with this tragedy, members of the community have been reflecting on the importance of unity and compassion, values they hope to instill in future generations of ropers and rodeo riders. The community’s response highlights its commitment to supporting its members not only through rodeo events and competitions but also in times of profound personal loss.
Long-Term Plans and Legacy for Grayson Colt
In the wake of this tragedy, Clyde and Sierra have expressed their gratitude for the support they have received and have indicated that they plan to create a lasting legacy in Grayson’s name. Friends close to the family have hinted at the possibility of a scholarship fund for young aspiring ropers or a memorial roping event that would celebrate Grayson’s life and love for animals. While these plans remain in the early stages, the idea of honoring Grayson’s memory in a way that would benefit others has already begun to take shape.
A memorial event could serve as both a tribute to Grayson’s memory and a way for the community to gather in support of the Bolejack family. Such an event would allow friends, family, and supporters to come together, share memories, and remember the bright, joyful life that Grayson embodied. As the family continues to navigate their grief, the community’s involvement in establishing this legacy stands as a testament to the lasting impact Grayson had, even in his short life.
Moving Forward: Healing and Rebuilding
For Clyde and Sierra, the journey ahead will be long and challenging. The loss of a child is a unique and profound grief, one that requires time, support, and resilience to endure. The Bolejacks have expressed a desire for privacy as they process their loss and begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. While they are grateful for the outpouring of love and support, they have asked for continued prayers and understanding as they navigate this period of unimaginable sorrow.
The support from the roping community, the donations, and the potential for a lasting legacy for Grayson all contribute to a foundation that will help Clyde and Sierra rebuild. As they face the emotional and logistical challenges of starting over, they have the comfort of knowing that they are not alone.
In the coming months, Clyde and Sierra will begin the difficult work of rebuilding, both in practical and emotional terms. The road to healing will undoubtedly be long, but with the support of friends, family, and their community, they will have the resources and companionship they need to find solace and eventually, perhaps, a sense of peace.
This tragedy has brought the roping and rodeo communities together in a profound demonstration of solidarity, compassion, and generosity. Grayson Colt “JR” Bolejack’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his legacy will be felt for years to come as his family, friends, and community honor his life with love and remembrance.
