The Tarleton State University community is mourning the death of Alejandra Franco, a student athlete and member of the university's rodeo team.
Franco suffered injuries during a rodeo performance at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine, Texas, on Thursday night, September 24, according to Sul Ross State University Rodeo and Tarleton State officials. She later died from those injuries.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the specific event Franco was participating in and the nature of her injuries, have not been publicly released by officials.
Tarleton State Rodeo announced Franco's death in a statement, saying the team was deeply saddened by the loss of one of its members. The team asked the community to keep Franco's family, friends and teammates in their thoughts and prayers.
Tarleton State head rodeo coach Mark Eakin also remembered Franco as a valued member of the university community. He described her as an outstanding competitor and highlighted the welcoming personality and positive impact she had on people around her.
Sul Ross State University Rodeo also announced Franco's death and said counselors would be available to support athletes during the remainder of the rodeo weekend. The university said the scheduled events would continue in her honor.
The Sul Ross State Rodeo Exes and Alumni organization announced plans to provide purple ribbons at the arena during the weekend, encouraging supporters to wear purple in honor of Franco.
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association also expressed condolences to Franco's family, teammates, Tarleton State University and the wider Lone Star Region rodeo community.
Franco's death has left teammates, coaches, classmates and friends mourning a young student athlete whose life was closely connected to collegiate rodeo.
As the Tarleton State community remembers Alejandra, those who knew her are holding onto the friendships, experiences and memories created during her time with the university and rodeo team.
Further information about the circumstances of the incident may be released as officials and the universities provide additional updates.
May Alejandra Franco be remembered with dignity, compassion and love, and may her family, friends and teammates find strength as they grieve her loss.
