Tarleton State University is mourning rodeo athlete Alejandra Franco after the 20-year-old student died following an incident at a college competition in Alpine, Texas.
Franco, known to friends as Ale, was injured on the evening of Thursday, September 24, while competing for Tarleton’s rodeo team at the annual Sul Ross College Rodeo. The event was held at the S.A.L.E. Arena, which is part of Sul Ross State University.
Officials have not released details about how the incident happened. Franco had recently celebrated her 20th birthday and competed as a breakaway roper.
The Tarleton State Rodeo Team said she had left “a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her” and asked for prayers for her family, friends and teammates.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief among students and friends in Stephenville, where she was remembered for her warmth, leadership and infectious laughter.
“We told her we would keep it up for her next birthday too, so we’re never taking it down,” friend Aubrey Evans said, referring to birthday streamers and banners still hanging in the apartment she shared with friends.
Emily Lonsford said Franco had a way of bringing light to those around her, while Sienna Mallory recalled how excited she had been that her father had travelled to watch her compete.
Friends said Franco made strangers feel welcome, danced even when there was no music and tried to find something positive in every situation.
Rodeo community pays tribute to Alejandra Franco
The Sul Ross rodeo continued as scheduled over the weekend, with a moment of silence held in Franco’s honour. Participants, announcers and event staff also wore purple ribbons in her memory.
Sul Ross State University said counselling would be available to support athletes during the remaining events. The university has not disclosed further details about the fatal incident. ([fox4news.com](https://www.fox4news.com/news/tarleton-state-student-dies-after-suffering-injuries-during-rodeo-event?utm_source=openai))
Tarleton State president James Hurley described Franco as a cherished student athlete whose kindness and leadership had touched many people across the university community. ([expressnews.com](https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/tarleton-state-university-student-dies-injuries-22450402.php?utm_source=openai))
Her friends have since promised to “live like Ale” by embracing life, choosing positivity and making the most of every moment.
They are selling T-shirts bearing the words “Live Like Ale” to raise money for Franco’s family and help with funeral costs.
A visitation was held on Sunday, with a second service planned for Monday. A rosary was due to take place on Monday evening in Stephenville.
