COLLEGE RODEO STAR ALEJANDRA FRANCO DIES AFTER TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN TEXAS

A 20-year-old college rodeo athlete has died after suffering 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, was injured during a rodeo event at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine, Texas, on Thursday, September 24.

Sul Ross State University, which hosted the event, confirmed that Franco later died from injuries sustained during the performance. Officials have not publicly released detailed information about exactly how the incident happened or the nature of her injuries.

Franco was originally from Mexico and competed in breakaway roping as part of the Tarleton State rodeo team. She was a sophomore at the university and had recently celebrated her 20th birthday.

Her death quickly prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates, coaches and university leaders.

Tarleton State President James Hurley remembered Franco as a cherished member of the university community, highlighting her smile, leadership, kindness and the way she made others feel welcome. Head rodeo coach Mark Eakin also described her as an outstanding competitor and an important presence on campus.

Her father, Alejandro Franco, shared an emotional tribute describing his daughter as a happy, positive and kind person who brought joy to those around her.

“She was my everything, my world, the joy of every day,” he wrote in a translated message shared after her death.

Sul Ross State University said the weekend’s rodeo events would continue as scheduled in Franco’s honor, while counselors were made available to support athletes and others affected by the tragedy. Purple ribbons were also distributed as a tribute to the young competitor.

TEAM COMPETES IN HER HONOR

In the days following Franco’s death, her Tarleton State teammates returned to competition wearing purple ribbons in her memory.

The university later reported that the Tarleton State women’s rodeo team won the team championship, while Tarleton athletes also claimed four individual championships during the weekend.

Coach Eakin said the purple ribbons served as a reminder of the teammate they were competing for and praised the athletes for supporting one another through the difficult weekend.

For the Tarleton State rodeo community, Franco’s presence will now be remembered not only for her performance in competition, but also for the warmth and positivity that friends and teammates say she brought to those around her.

The circumstances surrounding the accident have not been publicly detailed by officials.