Hourly Update

Rodeo Parade spokesman resigns

The spokesman for the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee who faced the questions of the media and the public after the tragic death of 5-year-old Brielle Boisvert resigned his position for personal reasons. Bob Johnson fielded questions about the future of the parade and addressed safety concerns the day of the accident, including why Brielle had been allowed to ride a horse in the Parade in violation of the parade's own rules, which require mounted participants be at least 8-years-old. Johnson could not immediately be reached for comment about his resignation. Herb Wagner, former chairman of the committee, will serve as interim public information officer, according to press release from the committee. Wagner said he's volunteered for the Rodeo Parade for 23 years and when the committee chairman asked him to take on the role of spokesman he accepted. "Being a native Tucsonan its something that I hold near and dear to my heart," he said. Wagner said no other members of the Rodeo Parade Committee have resigned since Brielle's death. The 5-year-old died when horses pulling a wagon bolted for unknown reasons and ran into her horse. She was thrown from her horse and was crushed under the oncoming wagon. She died from internal bleeding, according to autopsy results. The Tucson Police Department launched an investigation following Brielle's death and will provide the results to the mayor and city council, which will make the decision about whether or not the parade will continue. The Rodeo Parade Committee also launched its own examination into parade safety, Wagner said. The committee formed groups that will look at different safety aspects, including the horses, equipment and the application process. "We would like to see the parade continue," Wagner said. "It's a Tucson tradition."