Bradley McMichael Obituary, Death – Police have shared additional information following the death of a man who was attacked and killed by water buffaloes Friday evening in Jones, Oklahoma. At approximately 8:35 p.m., emergency crews were called to a farm located in the 7500 block of Henney Road, near Wilshire Boulevard, after receiving reports of a man being attacked by water buffaloes. Upon arriving at the scene, both police and firefighters were unable to immediately reach the victim due to the aggressive behavior of the animals.
According to officials, one of the buffaloes had to be put down right away in order to allow emergency responders to safely access the property. Once they reached the man, they found him with multiple deep lacerations. Despite their efforts, the victim was already deceased. Police later identified him as 45-year-old Bradley McMichael.
Family members told KOCO 5 that McMichael was experienced around livestock and exotic animals, so his presence around such creatures wasn’t considered unusual. His girlfriend, Jennifer Green, said McMichael had likely intended to either sell the water buffaloes or find another purpose for them.
As authorities remained on the scene conducting their investigation, a second water buffalo became increasingly aggressive, posing a threat to responders. For safety reasons, the second animal was also euthanized.
While reporters from KOCO 5 were present at the location, they reportedly heard the gunshots that killed the two animals. Police confirmed that evidence found at the site proved the water buffaloes were directly responsible for McMichael’s fatal injuries.
Investigators discovered that McMichael had purchased the two water buffaloes at a livestock auction on July 10, just one day before the deadly incident. Authorities believe that while tending to the animals, McMichael ended up trapped inside their enclosure, leading to the fatal attack.
Jennifer Green noted that animals like livestock can behave unpredictably, especially under stressful circumstances such as being transported, placed in a new environment, or introduced to unfamiliar owners. “Livestock can be aggressive in any moment if they’re stressed,” she explained. “When they’re in an auction environment, when they’re traveling, when they’re with new owners.”
She described McMichael as someone who brought joy to others. “He loved to laugh. He loved to make other people laugh,” she said, remembering him fondly.
The incident has raised awareness about the potential dangers involved in handling large and unpredictable animals, especially shortly after acquisition. McMichael’s tragic death serves as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong, even for those experienced with livestock.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, but police have concluded that the water buffaloes were solely responsible for the attack. As the community mourns the loss, loved ones continue to reflect on McMichael’s life and the circumstances that led to the devastating event.
