COLLEGE RODEO TRAGEDY: TARTLETON STATE ATHLETE ALEJANDRA FRANCO DIES AT 20

ALPINE, Texas — A night of college rodeo competition ended in tragedy when Alejandra Franco, a 20-year-old member of the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team, died after suffering serious injuries during an event in West Texas.

Franco was competing Thursday night, September 24, at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine, where Sul Ross State University was hosting its rodeo competition. She later died from injuries sustained during the performance, according to Sul Ross State University.

Franco was a sophomore at Tarleton State and competed in breakaway roping. She was from Mexico and had celebrated her 20th birthday just one month before the accident, on August 25.

WHAT HAPPENED INSIDE THE ARENA?

Officials have not released a detailed account of the accident or the specific injuries Franco suffered.

Tarleton State head rodeo coach Mark Eakin said the incident occurred while Franco was in the roping box with her horse. Beyond that, officials have not publicly disclosed the exact sequence of events.

The lack of details has left teammates, friends and members of the rodeo community mourning a young athlete whose life ended unexpectedly.

Sul Ross State University confirmed her death in a statement Friday.

The university said its heart was with Franco’s family, team and community and announced that the remaining weekend events would continue as scheduled, with counselors available to support athletes affected by the tragedy.

REMEMBERED FOR HER KINDNESS AND LEADERSHIP

Franco’s coaches and university leaders remembered her as much more than a talented rodeo competitor.

Eakin described her as a “tremendous person” and “an outstanding competitor,” saying she was a cherished member of the Tarleton State community and a leader on campus.

Tarleton State President James Hurley also paid tribute to Franco, remembering her for her friendly smile, leadership, kindness and the love she shared with those around her.

Franco was also involved with Tarleton’s Transition Mentors program, where she contributed to the university community outside the rodeo arena.

Her father, Alejandro Franco, shared an emotional tribute after her death, remembering his daughter as exceptionally happy, positive and kind.

RODEO COMMUNITY MOURNS

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

At the Alpine rodeo, purple ribbons were made available for competitors and spectators to wear in Franco’s memory. Counselors were also present as the competition continued.

Tarleton State’s rodeo team said Franco had left a lasting impact on everyone who had the opportunity to know her.

Her teammates now face the difficult task of returning to competition while grieving the loss of someone who shared the arena with them.

For a young woman who had spent her college years balancing academics, campus leadership and the demanding world of rodeo, her death has left a profound void.

Alejandra Franco was only 20.

Her rodeo career ended far too soon, but her teammates, coaches, family and university community say the impact she made will not be forgotten.