A 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo winner tragically passed away in Kansas last week after a single-vehicle collision.
According to PEOPLE, 19-year-old Emma Brungardt, a student at Colby Community College, was killed and four of her teammates injured in the incident, which occurred at around 9:44 p.m. on Friday, October 4 in Thomas County, Kansas.
An 18-year-old Colorado man was said to be driving Emma and her four teammates when the 2007 Ford F-250 truck veered “between the Y striking a tree row” at a Y intersection. The vehicle then flipped before landing upright.
As per PEOPLE, the driver and Brungardt’s four teammates – all aged between 18 and 20 – were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. Brungardt, who was crowned 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, died at the scene.
“Last night [Brungardt] along with four other team members and our work-study were involved in a car accident,” read a message published to Facebook by Colby Community College.
“Unfortunately Emma did not walk away from this … We are praying for all families involved. Her light will live on in and around the rodeo arena,” the post concluded.
This is Emma Brungardt. She is from Blue Rapids Kansas and is majoring in equine management and production. Emma…Posted by Colby CC Rodeo on Saturday, October 5, 2024
The Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant, meanwhile, wrote: “The Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Emma Brungardt, our beautiful Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas 2024.”
“Emma was a true gem and horsewoman who embodied what it meant to be a rodeo queen, always going above and beyond what was expected of her.
“We will miss her contagious smile and one in a million personality. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers as they navigate through this unimaginable loss,” the post concluded.
Rest in peace, Emma. Such a tragic loss of life.