Cody Stephens’ family home burns; late son’s rodeo memorabilia torched

Just because Kansas City looks like a pretty (and a little scary) snow globe at the moment doesn’t mean that depressing news takes a break. Grab a cup of cocoa and tissues, there’s a tear-jerker coming. 

The Kansas City Star sports page has the story of Kansas rodeo bull rider Cody Stephens‘ family and a case of double-heartbreak. Stephens died last year of leukemia; he was 23. The Star reports that his family was too shaken by his death to stay in their old house and moved to a ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. That’s where Cody’s mom, Toni Gower, put his prize buckles and saddles on display in a tribute to her son. Until some teens went and allegedly ruined everything.