'He died doing what he loved': Family shares story of man tragically killed by two water buffalo

JONES, Okla. (KFOR) - The family of Brad McMichael confirmed he died Friday after he was attacked by two water buffalo.

On Friday night, crews with the Jones Fire Department and Jones Police Department rushed to the scene where McMichael was attacked by a water buffalo off North Henney Road.

That same night, Jones Deputy Police Chief Sony Nohmer, confirmed the victim died from his injuries and the two water buffalos were put down.

His family shared with News 4 that McMichael purchased the water buffalo at an auction the day before he died.

"He was at the auction Thursday night and he loved to be there, he was in good spirits. The best mood I've seen him in a while," Jennifer Green, McMichael's girlfriend, said.

His family said purchasing livestock was not a new thing, it was his passion.

"The cattle farming, that that's his thing. He's been here his whole life, and he's done that his whole life. So he's an experienced cattle handler and a farmer," said Amy Smith, McMichael's ex-wife.

Beyond farming and owning livestock, McMichael was a dad.

"He was my father and he taught me everything I know, really. I mean, I know farming from him. I know many other things," Rylan McMichael, his son, said.

Although grief ways heavy, his family is finding comfort in knowing his final moments were spent doing what he loved.

"He loved his livestock and as tragic as this, as he died doing something that he loved," Green said.