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2 clusters · 8 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Death of Tarleton State rodeo athlete Alejandra Franco

Overview

Alejandra Franco, a 20-year-old breakaway roper and student at Tarleton State University, died following a horse-related accident during a competition in Alpine, Texas. The incident occurred on September 24, 2026, at the S. A. L. E. Arena during the Sul Ross State University NIRA College Rodeo.

While the specific cause of the fatal injuries has not been disclosed, the event was described by team head coach Mark Eakin as a “freak accident.”

In response to the tragedy, Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley and the university rodeo team released statements expressing profound sadness and noting Franco’s impact as a leader and mentor. During subsequent competitions, athletes and officials honored her memory by observing moments of silence and wearing purple ribbons.

Entities

Sul Ross State University · Alejandra Franco · Tarleton State University · S. A. L. E. Arena · Alpine, Texas

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Tarleton State rodeo athlete Alejandra Franco dies in Texas accident

    Tarleton State University rodeo athlete Alejandra Franco, 20, died following a horse-related accident during a competition in Alpine, Texas.

  2. [CRIME] 5 sources
    Tarleton State student Alejandra Franco dies in rodeo accident

    Alejandra Franco, a 20-year-old Tarleton State University rodeo team member, died following an accident during a college rodeo competition in Alpine, Texas.

Sources

fox4news.com · internewscast.com · liner.hu · nypost.com · offthepress.com · pulptastic.com · si.com · usmagazine.com