In the season finale of Yellowstone, the show opens with a simple black “in Memoriam” card. On it, it said, “This episode is dedicated to Bob Avila. See you down the dusty trail, amigo.” Of course, many viewers are wondering—who was Bob Avila?
What was Bob Avila’s cause of death?
Bob Avila was a world-renown horseman and trainer, recognized as one of the industry’s best. Avila, 72, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 9, 2024 while he was attending the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship. His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
While he did not appear in the Yellowstone finale, Bob Avila did previously appear on Yellowstone. In the opening of “I Killed a Man Today,” the eighth episode of Season 3, Avila is seen doing what he does best. There’s no dialogue in the scene, just Avila on horseback. We later see Avila again when he chats with John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who is there with his grandson Tate (Brecken Merrill).
This isn’t the first time Yellowstone has featured IRL cowboys or dedicated episodes to those known in the cowboying or ranching circles. The mid-season premiere was dedicated to the memory of famed loriner Billy Klapper, who appeared in the episode and in “Under a Blanket of Red,” the fifth episode in Season 4. Viewers also got to meet legendary horse trainer Buster Welch. Northern Exposure actor Barry Corbin was also featured in the episode. Corbin is not only an actor but an experienced cowboy himself, having won several cutting horse competitions.
Also in Season 4, another episode was dedicated to John Prine. While the country folk songwriter did not appear in the third episode of the season that was dedicated to him, his music can be heard closing out the episode.
Related: Is Barry Corbin on Yellowstone? Who Are the Old Cowboys at the 6666 Ranch?
Hailing from a family of horse riders and became a million-dollar rider as he learned the ropes. Not only was he a champion horseman, he was also a very successful businessman. He won numerous championships and trained many a champion horse. Avila was also inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2020.
Next, Find Out Who Billy Klapper on Yellowstone Was and Why the Mid-Season Premiere Was Dedicated to Him
