20-Year-Old Tarleton State Rodeo Athlete Alejandra Franco Dies After Tragic Alpine Accident

The collegiate rodeo community is mourning the tragic death of 20-year-old Alejandra “Ale” Franco, a member of the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team who died after sustaining fatal injuries during a rodeo event in Alpine, Texas, on Thursday night, September 24, 2026.

Franco was competing at the S.A.L.E. Arena, located on the campus of Sul Ross State University, where the weekend rodeo was being held. She competed in breakaway roping for Tarleton State and was remembered by university officials as both a dedicated athlete and an influential member of the campus community.

According to reports, the incident occurred during the performance Thursday evening. Local coverage has reported that Franco and her horse were involved in an incident inside the roping box, but officials have not released a detailed account of exactly what happened or the specific injuries she suffered.

Sul Ross State University confirmed that a Tarleton State athlete had died from injuries sustained during the performance. The university expressed its sympathy to Franco’s family, teammates and the wider rodeo community.

Tarleton State University President James Hurley described Franco as a cherished member of the university who touched many lives through her friendliness, leadership and kindness. Her rodeo coach, Mark Eakin, also remembered her as a tremendous person and outstanding competitor whose presence would be deeply missed.

Franco’s death has also prompted an outpouring of support throughout the rodeo community. Sul Ross State University announced that the remaining weekend events would continue as scheduled, while counselors would be available to support athletes dealing with the loss. Purple ribbons were also distributed at the arena in her memory.

Franco’s father remembered his daughter as exceptionally happy, positive and kind, describing her as someone who brought joy to those around her. Tributes have also come from the broader equestrian community, including organizations with which she had previously competed.

As the rodeo community remembers Franco, the exact circumstances surrounding the accident remain undisclosed. University officials have not released further details about how her injuries occurred, and no additional official explanation of the incident had been made public in the latest reports.

For her teammates, coaches, family and friends, Franco’s death represents a devastating loss of a young athlete whose life extended far beyond competition. Her legacy is now being remembered through the people she mentored, the teammates she supported and the rodeo community she represented.

Source: CBS7