On Saturday, Sept. 16, shortly after starting college at Three River College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Annika Olson of Red Bud was involved in a horse riding accident.
Olson, who is a 2023 graduate of Red Bud High School and had participated in the National High School Rodeo this summer in Gillette, Wyoming, is a member of the Three Rivers College Rodeo team. Following the Illinois High School Rodeo State Finals, she was ranked as the number 6 cowgirl in the state.
The accident happened while Olson was out with her horse Chicka. Her coach found her unconscious in the pasture. Olson was airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital where she underwent immediate surgery to remove part of her skull to relive pressure on her brain.
To help the Olson family with Annika’s medical expenses, and other expenses related to her injuries, a “Having Fun For Annika Fun Show” fundraising event has been planned for Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Waterloo.
For more on the event, please see this week’s print edition.