Alejandra Franco Obituary, Death – Tarleton State Rodeo Athlete Dies After Alpine Event

Alejandra Franco, a Tarleton State University rodeo athlete from Mexico, has died after suffering injuries during a rodeo performance in Alpine, Texas.

Franco was participating in a rodeo at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine on Thursday night, September 24, 2026, when she was injured. Sul Ross State University Rodeo confirmed her death in a statement the following day. Officials have not released details about exactly what happened during the performance or the nature of the injuries she sustained.

Remembering Alejandra Franco

Franco participated in breakaway roping and was a member of the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team. Her death has brought grief to the Tarleton community and the wider collegiate rodeo community.

Tarleton State head rodeo coach Mark Eakin remembered Franco as a tremendous person and outstanding competitor. He described her as a cherished member of the university and a campus leader who made people around her feel welcomed and loved.

The university said Franco’s legacy would continue through the people whose lives she touched, while teammates and members of the rodeo community continue to mourn her loss.

Rodeo Community Mourns

Sul Ross State University expressed condolences to Franco’s family, teammates and community. The weekend’s rodeo events were scheduled to continue, with counselors made available to support athletes dealing with the loss.

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association also offered condolences to Franco’s family, friends, teammates and Tarleton State University, describing the loss as one being mourned throughout the Lone Star Region.

No further details about the circumstances of Franco’s injuries or death have been publicly released.

Alejandra Franco is being remembered as a student-athlete, competitor, teammate and member of the Tarleton State community whose life had an impact on those around her.