Skateboarder slams into deer during competition

GOLDEN, Colo. (WHDH) -- A skateboarding race in Colorado featured an unusual crash. Reaching a speed of 40 miles per hour, Ryan Vitale slammed into a deer during Saturday’s competition.

The race is called the “Buffalo Bill Down-hill Blood-Spill” - "blood-spill" referring to the toug* conditions competitors face during the 1.1 mile race.

As Ryan Vitale found out, the course is even more challenging when wildlife crosses the road.

"I remember opening my eyes and being on top of a deer. And then I was pretty much in shock and so was the deer,” said Vitale.

Vitale said the deer just started running towards him.

"I knew I was going to hit it and I don't remember what I did but I tackled it to the ground. I was just praying I didn't break anything,” said Vitale.

Vitale said the deer broke his fall, leaving him with road rash but no broken bones.

He said the deer is okay, too.

This isn't the first time the three-year-old event has made headlines.

Last year, production crew members were filming the event when their helicopter crashed.

Fortunately, no one was hurt.

As for Vitale's incident, he said skateboarding comes with great risks, but also great reward.

"It's not like I’m going to stop doing it. I love it."