COLLEGE RODEO COMMUNITY MOURNS 20-YEAR-OLD ALEJANDRA FRANCO AFTER TRAGIC TEXAS ACCIDENT

A night of college rodeo competition in West Texas turned heartbreaking when 20-year-old Alejandra Franco suffered fatal injuries during an event at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine.

Franco, a sophomore at Tarleton State University and member of its rodeo team, was competing at the Sul Ross State University Southwest Region Rodeo on Thursday, September 24, when the accident occurred.

According to Tarleton State head rodeo coach Mark Eakin, the incident involved Franco and her horse in the roping box. Officials have not released a full account of what happened or detailed the injuries that led to her death.

Sul Ross State University confirmed Franco died from injuries sustained during the performance.

The news sent shockwaves through the college rodeo community, with teammates, coaches and fellow competitors mourning a young athlete remembered for her personality, kindness and leadership.

“A TREMENDOUS PERSON”

Tarleton State head rodeo coach Mark Eakin described Franco as much more than an 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 in a statement released by the university.

He remembered her as an outstanding competitor with an incredible personality who had a special ability to make people around her feel welcomed and loved.

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

Tarleton State President James Hurley also paid tribute to Franco, describing her as a cherished student-athlete whose smile, leadership, kindness and warmth had touched many people.

Friends similarly remembered her infectious smile, contagious laugh and caring personality.

A RODEO COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

Sul Ross State University said the remaining weekend events would continue in Franco’s honor, with counselors available to support athletes dealing with the loss.

Purple ribbons were distributed at the arena, and members of the rodeo community were encouraged to wear purple as a tribute to Franco and a show of support for her family and teammates.

A moment of silence was also held during Friday night’s competition as athletes and spectators gathered to remember the young competitor.

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association expressed its condolences to Franco’s family, teammates and the wider Lone Star Region, saying the rodeo community was mourning alongside everyone who knew and loved her.

HER TEAM COMPETED IN HER HONOR

Despite the grief surrounding the weekend, Tarleton State’s athletes continued competing while wearing purple ribbons in Franco’s memory.

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

Coach Eakin said the support from teams across the region showed the close bond within the rodeo community.

“Ale was a special part of our Tarleton State family,” he said. “The impact she made on her teammates, coaches and our university will stay with us forever.”

Franco’s death has left her teammates and the wider rodeo community mourning a young athlete whose life was cut short while doing what she loved.

For those who knew her, she will be remembered not only for her achievements in the arena, but for the smile, kindness and warmth she brought to the people around her.