Gage Holzum, a member of the Montana High School Rodeo Association, lost his life in a tragic accident at the untimely age of 15.
Gage Holzum passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in a tragic auto accident.
According to reports, Gage was among the four people who passed away in a 12-vehicle collision on the Arizona Highway on Interstate 10, west of Tonopah.
In addition to the four individuals, including Gage, who lost their lives, eight others were injured in the tragic accident.
Among the eight survivors, two people are in critical condition and are receiving life-saving treatments, one person was admitted for precautionary treatment, and five were treated and released.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the initial collision was followed by one or more secondary collisions, which resulted in additional injuries and deaths.
The collision involved six commercial motor vehicles, four passenger vehicles, a van, and a recreational vehicle towing a trailer.
While Holzum’s demise is confirmed, the names of other victims have not been made public yet.
The Rapelje community and the Montana High mourn the tragic death of their star athlete, Gage Holzum.
Furthermore, the Montana High School Rodeo Association expressed their sorrow over the loss of rodeo star Gage Holzum on their official social media account.
The post reads,
“All of us with the Montana High School Rodeo Association send our sincere condolences to the family of Gage Holzum. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here for you whenever and however you need us.”
Montana High School Rodeo Association
In response to his tragic death, many of his loved ones have sent their heartfelt condolences to his family and recalled Gage Holzum’s exceptional Rodeo Journey.
The Late Gage Holzum Began His Rodeo Journey From A Very Young Age!
Gage Holzum showcased his exceptional skills and proved himself a determined cowboy by competing in the Montana High School Rodeo Association events.
His performances in team roping consistently placed him among the top competitors in the Montana High School Rodeo Team.
Moreover, belonging to a rancher family, Gage inherited his cowboy skills from his father, Tyler, and mother, Jennifer Holzum, who are both exceptional ranchers.
Gage’s love for rodeo began at a very young age. From barrel racing to pole bending, he embraced every challenge.
One of his early achievements was placing fourth in the barrel race at the San Benito County Junior Rodeo Competition.
As a fourth-place winner, Gage got splint boots for his horse from McKinno Lumber.
Similarly, his constant determination for rodeo secured him multiple top finishes across various rodeo events.
He also won the All-Around title at the Junior Rodeo, earning him a prestigious saddle.
His father, Tyler Holzum, played a crucial role in guiding him through his rodeo journey.
The late Gage Holzum’s parents, Tyler and Jennifer Holzum, run a ranching breeders program and operation in Oakdale, San Joaquin Valley.
Jennifer is a fifth-generation California rancher; all of her family are involved in ranching, whereas Tyler is a Montana native and cattleman who moved to California over 23 years ago.
Gage’s parents met through their love for Ranch and Rodeo; the couple aligned their knowledge, skills, and experience to create Holzum Quarter Horses on a 150-acre clover ranch in Oakdale, California.
The couple, along with their two sons, Gage and Ty, lived a happy life in Rapelje. Gage Holzum’s untimely demise has left his parents, brother, and the entire Holzum family devastated.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The late Gage Holzum’s brother, Ty Holzum, is also a rodeo.
- His father graduated from California Polytechnic State University and is originally from Edgar, Montana.