TRAGEDY AT TEXAS COLLEGE RODEO: 20-YEAR-OLD ALEJANDRA FRANCO DIES AFTER SUFFERING INJURIES DURING COMPETITION

ALPINE, TEXAS — What was supposed to be another night of college rodeo competition ended in tragedy when 20-year-old Alejandra “Ale” Franco Briseño suffered fatal injuries during an event in Alpine, Texas.

Franco, a student-athlete at Tarleton State University and a member of its rodeo team, died on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after being injured while competing at the S.A.L.E. Arena, which is part of Sul Ross State University.

Sul Ross State University confirmed her death in a statement the following day, saying she had died from injuries sustained during the performance.

The exact circumstances of the incident and the nature of her injuries have not been publicly released.

A YOUNG ATHLETE WHO LOVED RODEO

Alejandra was born in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, on August 25, 2006, and had celebrated her 20th birthday just weeks before the tragedy.

She was a sophomore at Tarleton State University and competed as a breakaway roper on the school’s rodeo team.

Away from competition, Alejandra was known for her love of horses, the outdoors and hiking. Her obituary described her as adventurous and someone who always had a smile on her face.

She was also involved in several university organisations and activities, including the 1899 Service Cord Program, Organization of Latinx-American Students, Block and Bridle, Pickleball Club, Tarleton State Serves and Tarleton Transition Mentors.

“A CHERISHED MEMBER” OF THE UNIVERSITY

Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley described Franco as a cherished student-athlete who had touched many people’s lives through her smile, leadership, kindness and the love she shared with those around her.

Her head rodeo coach, Mark Eakin, also paid tribute to the young athlete.

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

He remembered her as a tremendous person and an outstanding competitor.

“Ale’s legacy at Tarleton State will live on through her memory and all the lives she’s impacted,” he said.

THE RODEO COMMUNITY RALLIED AROUND HER FAMILY

The news sent shockwaves through the collegiate rodeo community.

Sul Ross State University, which hosted the competition, expressed condolences to Franco’s family, teammates and wider community.

Counselors were made available to athletes during the remainder of the rodeo weekend.

The rodeo community also organised a tribute using purple ribbons, allowing competitors and supporters to wear them in Alejandra’s memory.

Her teammates continued competing during the weekend while carrying purple ribbons in her honor.

Tarleton State later said its women’s rodeo team won the team championship, while the university’s athletes also secured four individual championships.

Coach Eakin said the team was grateful for the support shown by people across the rodeo community as they dealt with the loss.

REMEMBERED AS “ALE”

Friends and classmates remembered Franco as someone who made others feel welcome.

She was also described as a person who loved horses and rodeo and had a warm, outgoing personality.

Her father, Alejandro Franco, shared a tribute following her death, while friends encouraged others to honour her memory by living with the same kindness and energy she brought to those around her.

Franco’s funeral was held on September 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stephenville, Texas. Her remains are to be buried in Mexico.

She is survived by her parents, Alejandro Franco Lucio and Susana Briseño, and her brothers, Rodrigo and Mariano Franco Briseño.

QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED

Despite the outpouring of tributes, many details surrounding the accident remain unknown.

Officials have not publicly explained exactly what happened during Franco’s performance or what caused the injuries that ultimately proved fatal.

Authorities and the universities have not released further details as the community continues to mourn.

For now, the focus has remained on remembering a young woman whose life revolved around family, horses, rodeo and her university community.

Alejandra had only recently celebrated her 20th birthday.

She had dreams, teammates beside her and a future ahead of her.

Instead, a night of competition became the final chapter of her life.

“Live Like Ale.”

🕊️ Alejandra Franco Briseño, 20, will be remembered by her family, friends, teammates and the rodeo community she loved.