02/20/2026
Ted Harbin wrote this beautifully…
Please keep Ryan and Kelsie amd Oaklynn in your prayers!
The loss of a child is a nightmare
By Ted Harbin
A parent’s biggest fear is losing a child. Ryan and Kelsie Domer are living that nightmare.
The couple lost their 3-year-old daughter Thursday in a freak wreck involving one of their horses, when the animal fell onto Kelsie and Oaklynn. Though live-saving efforts were made, the child did not survive.
It’s devastating. Oaklynn was a bright source of light, especially to her folks. Mom is a 10-time WPRA world champion, highlighted by the 2024 gold buckle she received at the National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las Vegas. Dad is also a competitor who qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo.
None of that matters now, though. They are two of many grieving people, stunned by the loss of a child. Their pain will never disappear, nor will the love they have for Oaklynn. Through a tested faith, a lot of prayer and time, the pain they have will likely soften, but moments of grief will always fill their souls.
Aaron Custer was just 18 when he died in a vehicle crash, and that left his parents, Cody and Stacey, devastated. Billie Harrison was 17 months old when John and Carla said goodbye to her and buried her on their place in southeastern Oklahoma. Less than two years ago, 3-year-old Levi Wright was put to rest by his folks, Spencer and Kallie.
These and so many others affect us all, because we can feel the pain ourselves. Most can only imagine what the Custers, Harrisons, Wrights and Domers feel in these moments, but we empathize with them. We pray for them. We cry for them.
Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children no matter at what age a child dies. My grandmother was 89 when my mother died of cancer, and Grandma mourned that loss another 13 years.
The loss of a young child, whose soul is so vibrant and cherished, stings even more. Such is the point of this most recent tragedy, one that crushed the spirits of those that love her and those that love her family. Oaklynn will certainly be missed, and thoughts of what could have been meant to be will fill many minds.
This is a time, though, that we reach into our hearts and share love for one another through prayer that God may provide comfort not only to Kelsie and Ryan but also to anyone who may be affected with this loss. Rodeo is family, and we all hurt.
May God bless you and those who need it most at this time.
Photo Credit: Kelsie & Ryan Domer