Cashleigh “Cash” Outlaw, the 11-year-old daughter of professional bull rider Chase Outlaw, passed away on October 14, 2022, at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Her death has shocked and saddened the bull riding community, as well as her family and friends. Cash was a vibrant and spirited girl who loved horses, hunting, and gymnastics. She also had a dream of becoming a trick rider and getting a ranch management degree. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Cash Outlaw, as well as the cause of her death and the tributes paid to her by her loved ones.
A Type 1 Diabetic Since Toddlerhood
Cash was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was just two and a half years old, according to her obituary. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their glucose levels. They also need to monitor their blood sugar regularly and follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 1.6 million Americans have Type 1 diabetes, and about 200,000 of them are under the age of 20. Type 1 diabetes can cause serious complications, such as kidney damage, nerve damage, eye damage, heart disease, and stroke. However, with proper care and treatment, people with Type 1 diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
Cash’s obituary stated that she “never let [diabetes] slow her down”. She was an active and adventurous girl who enjoyed various activities and hobbies. She was a fifth-grade student at Russellville Intermediate School, where she excelled in academics and extracurriculars. She loved singing, dancing, telling stories, and coon and deer hunting. She was also a gymnast who competed in several events and won many awards.
A True Cowgirl Who Loved Horses
Cash was also a “true cowgirl who loved horses, being outside and dreamed of being a trick rider”, according to her obituary. She inherited her passion for horses and rodeo from her father, Chase Outlaw, who is a professional bull rider and a member of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) tour. Chase Outlaw, 30, is ranked No. 47 in the world and has won five events at the elite level of the competition, as well as four at the Touring Pro level and another in Canada. He is also part of the Oklahoma Freedom team in the PBR Team Series.
Cash was one of Chase’s six children, born in 2011 to his ex-girlfriend Brett Ann Riddle. Chase later married Nicole Outlaw in 2016, and they have two children, Hayes and Chloe. Cash lived with her mother and stepfather, Chism Riddle, in Russellville, Arkansas. She also had two siblings, Josie and Bristol, from her mother’s side.
Cash shared a close bond with her father and often accompanied him to his bull riding events. She also rode horses herself and aspired to be a trick rider, a performer who does stunts and acrobatics on horseback. She wanted to go to college to get a ranch management degree, which would allow her to run and operate a ranch.
The Cause of Her Death Remains Unknown
The exact cause of Cash’s death remains unknown, as her family has not disclosed any details. However, some reports suggest that she was hospitalized at Arkansas Children’s Hospital a few weeks before her death. It is unclear whether her diabetes played a role in her demise or if she had any other underlying health issues.
Cash’s funeral service was held on October 18, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the CrossRoads Cowboy Church in El Paso, Arkansas. Her obituary stated that she “went to be with her Lord and Savior” on October 14, 2022. She was laid to rest at the Outlaw Cemetery in Hamburg, Arkansas.
Condolences and Tributes From Fans and Other Riders
Cash’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief and support from the bull riding community, as well as from fans and other riders. The PBR posted a tribute to Cash on its Instagram account, saying, “Today, we ask for your thoughts and prayers for Chase Outlaw and his family as they mourn the loss of their daughter Cash.” The post also included a photo of Cash smiling and wearing a cowboy hat.
Many other bull riders and rodeo personalities also expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Cash on social media. Some of them are:
- Cord McCoy, the coach of the Oklahoma Freedom team and a former bull rider, said, “Friday was the toughest day in bull riding that the team concept has ever hit for the Oklahoma Freedom. Outlaw lost his daughter, and I think as close as the bonds that bind our team together, it hit the Outlaw family hard, it hit our team hard. We got to go in the locker room after the event and close the door, and we kind of got to talk to each other and console each other, pray together. There were a lot of things to talk about, and not much of it was about bull riding. A lot of praying for the Outlaw family. It wasn’t a prayer of, ‘Let us ride good. Give us a lot of money and gold buckles.’ This changes the perspective.” (according to Heavy.com)
- Jess Lockwood, a two-time PBR world champion, said, “I’m so sorry for your loss brother. Praying for you and your family.” (according to Sportskeeda)
- J.B. Mauney, another two-time PBR world champion, said, “Prayers for you and your family brother.” (according to Sportskeeda)
- Cooper Davis, the 2016 PBR world champion, said, “Praying for you and your family brother.” (according to Sportskeeda)
- Sage Kimzey, a six-time PRCA bull riding world champion, said, “Praying for you and your family brother. Love you man.” (according to Sportskeeda)
- Dale Brisby, a rodeo personality and influencer, said, “Praying for you and your family brother. Cash was a ray of sunshine.” (according to Sportskeeda)
Cash’s fans also commented on the PBR’s Instagram post and sent their love and prayers to the Outlaw family. Some of them are:
- “So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. God bless you all.”
- “My heart breaks for you and your family. Cash was such a beautiful and sweet girl. She will be missed by many.”
- “Rest in peace, Cash. You were a true cowgirl and an inspiration to many. You will always be remembered and loved.”
- “Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. Cash was a bright light in this world. She is now riding with the angels.”
- “I’m so sorry for your loss. Cash was a wonderful girl who touched many lives. She will never be forgotten.”
Cash Outlaw’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of her family, friends, and fans. She was a young cowgirl who had a zest for life and a passion for horses. She was also a brave and resilient girl who battled diabetes and never gave up on her dreams. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.