A Jones, Oklahoma, farmer was attacked and killed by a pair of water buffaloes he acquired at a livestock auction just a day earlier, according to police.

The Jones Police Department said Monday that officers responded to an emergency call just after 10:30 p.m. on Friday, regarding an individual who was attacked by water buffalo at a farm.

When first responders arrived, they were unable to reach the victim, later identified as Bradley McMichael, because of the aggressive behavior of a water buffalo.

In order to allow safe access to McMichael, officials shot and killed one of the water buffalo.

FILE – An Oklahoma man was attacked by two newly acquired water buffaloes on his farm on July 11, 2025. (Michael Bahlo/picture alliance via Getty Image)

Detectives suspect McMichael became trapped inside the water buffalo enclosure while he was tending to his new animals.

Amy Smith, McMichael’s ex-wife, told television station KFOR  his passion was caring for livestock.

“The cattle farming, that’s his thing,” Smith told the station. “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,” she added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.