A Tarleton State University rodeo athlete was killed during competition last week.
Alejandra “Ale” Franco, a sophomore at Tarleton, was competing in breakaway roping Thursday night at a rodeo at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. Witnesses say her horse went out of control and Franco fell.
The Tarleton State Rodeo Team announced Franco’s death Friday on Instagram:
“Alejandra tragically lost her life yesterday, leaving behind a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.” Officials have not released details about Franco’s injuries.
Franco served as a Tarleton Transition Mentor, a student leadership role focused on helping incoming students adjust to university life. Mentors are upperclassmen selected through an application and interview process and trained for weeks to lead orientation and Duck Camp, the university’s three-day program for incoming students.
Tarleton State President James Hurley described Franco said, “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.”
Franco’s father, Alejandro Franco, remembered his daughter in a Facebook post, “You were and will always be my pride, my joy, my beautiful and kind girl,” he wrote. “Thank you for all the love you gave me, for every laugh, for every hug.”