'It's hard to watch people you care for die'

A 2015 photo that marked the emotional fallout after rodeo enthusiast Aunika Corrigan, 16 of Polson was shot to death compelled thousands of clicks from social media users.

In the photo, Callie Otoupalik of Arlee, a friend of Aunika Corrigan was so moved by the death of her 16-year-old Polson friend a week earlier, that she memorialized Corrigan by wearing the color blue and offering a moment of silence in the Polson rodeo arena.

Otoupalik made her 2015 rodeo plea to fans through Facebook posts the week before, urging everyone who attended to wear blue because it was Corrigan’s favorite. 

At the 2015 rodeo, Otoupalik rode into the arena and led a saddled, riderless horse with Corrigan’s hat, boots and flowers around the arena for a few laps. Those in attendance each possessed a blue balloon. 

When the small ceremony was complete the crowd released their balloons into the air. 

The image created a stunning, unforgettable reminder that Corrigan was lost and beloved.

Otoupalik said she was friends with Corrigan for about two years through the rodeo circuit and went swimming with Corrigan one week before her death.

“She really loved that rodeo,” Otoupalik said.  

Thinking of Corrigan reminded Otoupalik of the fragility of life.

“She woke up that day and she didn’t know it was the last day she would get out of bed,” Otoupalik said. “It [the shooting] is a reminder of how little choices make a difference in your life.”

The rodeo community is a tightly knit community, she said. 

Corrigan’s death was the second in a year for the rodeo community, which lost Jerod Coffey of central Montana in an auto accident during 2014.

“It is hard to watch people you care for [die]. It’s hard on everybody and we are really fortunate to be part of a team that takes care of each other,” Otoupalik said.

“Everything happens for a reason. God is in control and there is nothing you can do. I try to treat everybody kindly,” Otoupalik said. “Every day is different and you never know when somebody is going to wake up for the last time.”

At this year’s Polson NRA circuit rodeo, Otoupalik encouraged everyone to wear blue in honor of Corrigan once more.

During the waning late afternoon opening Friday, the sun seemed to yield to the moment and the stands were packed with blue-clad fans. 

A strong rainbow reached down from the sky over Flathead Lake.