DD Animal News: 16 July 2025: On Friday evening, July 11, 2025, near Jones, Oklahoma—a rural suburb just over 15 miles northeast of Oklahoma City—a tragic farming accident claimed the life of experienced livestock grower Bradley “Brad” McMichael, 45. McMichael, owner of McMichael Farms was an established cattle and exotic livestock handler. Just the previous day he had attended the Jones Livestock Auction to purchase two water buffalo, reportedly for dairy or meat operations
Sudden Attack: What Happened in the Enclosure
Later that same evening, around 8:30 p.m., McMichael was inside the animals’ new enclosure when the two water buffalo—recently transported and still under stress—turned aggressive. According to the Jones Police Department, the first responders found him trapped, suffering deep lacerations. The terror that followed prevented paramedics and firefighters from immediately reaching him.
It was Jennifer Green, 44, Mr. McMichael’s fiancée, who noticed something wrong. She found his truck parked in the vicinity of the farm and upon checking found him in the Buffalo enclosure. Her 911 call was responded to at 8.30 PM, but by then it was too late. McMichael had already succumbed to his injuries. As if not enough, the water buffaloes did not allow the first responders to retrieve the body. They pushed against the gate raising it in the air with their horns.
Authorities were forced to shoot one of the buffaloes immediately to create access for rescuers, but the second animal remained agitated. It too had to be euthanized on-site to prevent further harm to emergency personnel and anyone else nearby
Remembering a Dedicated Farmer and Family Man
Born and raised in Jones, Br ad McMichael devoted his life to livestock farming. His ex-wife, Amy Smith, told reporters that McMichael had been “here his whole life” and was deeply passionate about raising animals. Ms Green recalled how he was in high spirits at the auction and saw this purchase as an exciting venture. Their young son, Rylan, remembered him as the man who “taught me everything I know”
The Hidden Dangers of Water Buffalo
Though less common in the United States than cattle, water buffalo—domesticated in Asia for thousands of years—are still formidable animals. These bovines often weigh between 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and 1,200 kg (2,600 lb), with powerful horns and muscles. If cornered or stressed—such as during transport—they can become highly unpredictable and aggressive. Domesticated in several cultures, they remain strong and volatile when frightened or confined.
Such animals can cause deep gashes, internal injuries, blunt-force trauma, and in extreme cases, crushing wounds that can be fatal. The rapidity and strength of their charging behavior leave little chance for escape or defense by a human.
Brooked Misjudgment: Stress, Auction Environments, and Animal Behavior
Experts warn that even traditionally docile animals may lash out under the stress of auction and transport. A Reddit commentator who lives nearby recounted that Jones’s livestock auction often handles exotic species—sometimes misleadingly advertised as “gentle”
“Not just wild animals…any normally docile animal can exhibit out-of-character behaviour as a stress response when moving homes…”
In McMichael’s case, the animals may have reacted to unfamiliar surroundings and handling, turning unpredictable within 24 hours of purchase.
The Jones Police Department continues its investigation into the precise sequence of events. One central question: whether McMichael became trapped inside the enclosure, preventing him from evading a sudden charge
In the aftermath, his community is raising questions about regulations around exotic livestock, seller disclosures about temperament, and safety precautions during livestock acquisition and handling. This tragedy prompts a reevaluation of safety protocols in livestock farming and the awareness needed when acquiring such powerful animals.