Man is hospitalized after cow attack

VERNAL — An 87-year-old rancher suffered internal injuries and broken bones after he was attacked by two cows Tuesday afternoon.

Cecil Holmes of Vernal was attempting to move the cows and a calf from a field into a pen at around 3:15 p.m. when the animals charged him, according Uintah County Sheriff's Lt. John Laursen. The cows struck Holmes, knocking him to the ground.

"The cows then attacked him by head butting him numerous times," Laursen said.

Holmes' daughter witnessed the incident and called 911. She had driven the cows away from her father by the time first responders arrived.

Holmes was taken by ambulance to Ashley Valley Medical Center. He was later flown by medical helicopter to University of Utah Medical Center in critical, but stable condition. Hospital officials declined to release Holmes' condition Wednesday at his family's request.