Last week, a single-vehicle crash cruelly killed the 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo winner in Kansas.
According to PEOPLE, Emma Brungardt, a 19-year-old Colby Community College student, was killed and four of her teammates were injured in the event, which happened about 9:44 p.m. on Friday, October 4 in Thomas County, Kansas.
An 18-year-old Colorado guy was driving Emma and her four teammates when the 2007 Ford F-250 truck drove “between the Y, striking a tree row” at a Y crossing. The truck then flipped and landed upright.
According to PEOPLE, the driver and Brungardt’s four teammates, all aged between 18 and 20, were rushed to the hospital to be treated for their injuries. Brungardt, who was crowned 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, died on the scene.
“Last night [Brungardt], along with four other team members and our work-study, were involved in a car accident,” stated a message posted on Facebook by Colby Community College.
“Sadly, Emma did not walk away from this… We are praying for every family involved. “Her light will live on in and around the rodeo arena,” the message said.
This is Emma Brungardt. She is from Blue Rapids, Kansas, and is majoring in equine management and production. Emma…
Posted by Colby College Rodeo on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant issued the following statement: “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 jewel and horsewoman who personified what it meant to be a rodeo queen, consistently exceeding expectations.
“We will miss her infectious grin and one-of-a-kind personality. “Please keep her family and friends in your prayers as they deal with this unimaginable loss,” the statement added.
Emma, rest in peace. What a horrible loss of life.