20-YEAR-OLD COLLEGE RODEO ATHLETE ALEJANDRA FRANCO DIES AFTER TRAGIC TEXAS ACCIDENT

A 20-year-old college rodeo athlete has died after suffering fatal injuries during a competition in West Texas, leaving her university and the rodeo community mourning a young woman remembered for her kindness, leadership and bright personality.

Alejandra “Ale” Franco, a member of the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team, died after being injured during a performance on Thursday night, September 24, 2026, at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine, Texas.

The arena is part of the Sul Ross State University campus and was hosting the university’s annual rodeo.

A TRAGEDY DURING THE RODEO

Sul Ross State University Rodeo confirmed that a Tarleton State athlete had suffered fatal injuries during Thursday night’s performance.

“Our hearts are with her family, team and community at this difficult time,” the university said in announcing Franco’s death.

Tarleton State University later confirmed that the athlete was Alejandra Franco.

At this time, officials have not released details about exactly what happened during the performance or the nature of Franco’s injuries.

Reports have identified Franco as a competitor in breakaway roping, but authorities and university officials have not publicly provided a detailed account of the accident itself.

The lack of an official reconstruction means that details circulating online about how the incident occurred should be treated cautiously.

REMEMBERED AS A CHERISHED STUDENT-ATHLETE

Following the tragedy, tributes poured in from Tarleton State and the wider rodeo community.

Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley described Franco as a cherished student-athlete who had made a lasting impression on those around her.

He said she touched many lives through her friendly smile, leadership, kindness and love.

Her rodeo coach, Mark Eakin, also remembered Franco as a tremendous person and outstanding competitor.

“Ale was more than just a rodeo student-athlete,” Eakin said in a university statement. “She was a cherished member of the university and a leader on campus.”

Eakin said Franco had an incredible personality and knew how to make people around her feel welcomed and loved.

HER FATHER’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

Franco’s father, Alejandro Franco, shared an emotional tribute following his daughter’s death.

He remembered her as a happy, positive and kind person and described her as his pride and joy.

In his message, he expressed how difficult it was to imagine life without his daughter and thanked her for the love, laughter and memories she had given him.

Franco had celebrated her 20th birthday just one month earlier, with the Tarleton State Rodeo Team sharing a birthday message for her on August 25.

A PASSION FOR HORSES AND RODEO

Franco’s connection to equestrian competition extended beyond her college career.

She competed in breakaway roping for Tarleton State and was also involved in student leadership as a transition mentor, helping incoming students adjust to university life.

She also had experience in charrería, Mexico’s traditional national sport, and had competed with the Mexican team Escaramuza El Gran Chaparral in national competitions, according to reporting by The Dallas Morning News.

Her death therefore resonated across both the collegiate rodeo community and the equestrian community in Mexico.

RODEO EVENTS CONTINUE IN HER HONOR

Despite the tragedy, the remainder of the weekend rodeo at S.A.L.E. Arena was scheduled to continue.

Sul Ross State University said counselors would be available to support athletes and others affected by Franco’s death.

Purple ribbons were also made available at the arena as a tribute to Franco, with members of the rodeo community encouraged to wear purple throughout the weekend in her memory.

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association also expressed condolences to Franco’s family, teammates, university and the wider Lone Star Region.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACCIDENT REMAIN

As of September 26, officials had not publicly explained the exact sequence of events that led to Franco’s fatal injuries.

That means claims about the specific cause of the accident remain unconfirmed unless supported by an official statement.

For now, the people who knew Alejandra are focusing on the young woman they remember — a student, athlete, mentor, daughter and friend whose life ended at just 20 years old.

Her university said the impact she made on the people around her would not be forgotten.

The Tarleton State Rodeo Team has also vowed to carry her memory with them as the rodeo community comes together to mourn her loss.