A university student from Texas tragically lost her life during a rodeo competition on Thursday night, just a month after celebrating her birthday.
Alejandra “Ale” Franco, who was part of the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team, sustained fatal injuries while participating at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine, Texas, according to campus officials.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, the Tarleton State Rodeo Team expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our own, Alejandra Franco. Alejandra tragically lost her life yesterday, leaving behind a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Franco was only 20 years old and was competing at the Sul Ross State University NIRA College Rodeo. She was in the roping box with her horse when the incident occurred, as shared by the team’s head coach, Mark Eakin.
Not many details about the accident have been disclosed.
Franco was quite familiar on the campus of Stephenville, Texas, situated about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth. She served as a Tarleton Transition Mentor, welcoming new students and was affectionately known by a variety of names like Mama, Daddy, and Baby Ducks.
Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley shared condolences, saying, “Our hearts are absolutely broken with the news of Alejandra Franco. Ale was a true Texan, a cherished member of our TTM and representing Tarleton State on the rodeo stage. She touched so many lives through her friendly smile, leadership, kindness, and the love she shared with those around her.”
Hurley continued, “Her presence will be deeply missed, but the impact she made on her Texan family will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family, our rodeo team, and everyone who knew her. We will forever remember the light she brought to Tarleton State.”
Franco’s birthday was acknowledged in an August 25 post by Tarleton State, noting her importance to the community.
In an emotional letter shared on Facebook, Franco’s father remembered her as his “light.” He wrote, “The whole world loved you, my darling, and rightly so. Because you were special… Forgive me if I cry; I just don’t know how to go on without you. I promise to honor your life by living the way you lived, with positivity, being good to people…”
Franco was also a member of the Escaramuza Charra El Gran Chaparral, a distinguished women’s equestrian team from her home country of Mexico.
Her teammates expressed their condolences after her passing, wishing her family strength during this challenging time. They shared a heartfelt message stating, “With deep sorrow, we express our most sincere condolences to the family of our companion Alejandra Franco. May she rest in peace.”
Tributes for Franco have been abundant from friends and teammates, frequently using the phrase and hashtag “Live Like Ale.”
In memory of Franco, the SRSU Rodeo team announced plans to distribute purple ribbons and encouraged attendees to wear the Tarleton State color during their Friday night show. An announcer during the event reflected the sentiment deeply felt in the rodeo community, saying, “Tonight a rodeo family is carrying a heavy heart. If one of us hurts, we all hurt.”
