Alejandra Franco, a Texas college student and athlete, has tragically passed away following an injury at a rodeo event.
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The 20-year-old Tarleton State University Rodeo team member sustained fatal injuries during a competition at S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine, Texas, on Sept. 24. Sul Ross State University (SRSU), of which the S.A.L.E. Arena is a part, confirmed her passing on Facebook on Sept. 25.
"SRSU Rodeo is deeply saddened to announce that a Tarleton State University athlete has passed from injuries sustained during the performance at the S.A.L.E. Arena Thursday night," SRSU
wrote alongside both colleges' logos. "Our hearts are with her family, team and community at this difficult time.""In honor of Alejandra Franco, the weekend's events will continue as scheduled, and counselors will be present to support," SRSU concluded.
The Tarleton State Rodeo Team also paid tribute to Franco in an Instagram post.
"Alejandra tragically lost her life yesterday, leaving behind a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her," the team wrote alongside a picture of Franco in her rodeo gear. "During this difficult time, we ask that you join us in keeping her family, friends, and the team in your thoughts and prayers."
"The entire rodeo community is praying for her family and friends," one of the dozens of supportive onlookers wrote in the comments section.
Father of Texas Student Athlete Fatally Injured in Rodeo Event Mourns Loss: "You Were My Everything"
Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley also took to social media to mourn the loss of Alejandra Franco.
"Our hearts are absolutely broken with the news of Alejandra Franco," Dr. Hurley wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. "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."
"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," Dr. Hurley added.
Meanwhile, Alejandra's father took to Facebook to mourn his daughter in a heartwrenching post.
"There are no words to tell you how much I love you, how much I miss you, how much you mean to me," he wrote in a
translated post on Sept. 25. "I have a broken soul, a shattered heart. I don't know how I'll go on without you ... You were my everything, my world, the joy of every day.""...The whole world loved you, my darling, and rightly so. Because you were special ... I want you to know that I'm proud to be your dad," her father added.
The exact cause and extent of Franco's injuries were not shared at the time of this writing.
