A tragic accident in rural Kansas has claimed the life of a young rodeo star, Emma Brungardt while injuring her teammates and another individual. Emma, a 19-year-old who was recently crowned Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas for 2024, was traveling in a 2007 Ford F250 pickup truck with four teammates and a work-study colleague. The accident occurred when the vehicle, traveling south on County Road 21 in Thomas County, veered off the road at a Y intersection and collided with a row of trees.

Despite wearing her seatbelt, Emma was unable to survive the crash. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that the driver, an 18-year-old from Colorado, and four other passengers, including a 20-year-old woman from Larned, a 19-year-old woman from Newton, a 19-year-old woman from Galva, and an 18-year-old man from Council Grove, sustained possible injuries but survived.

Emma Brungardt was a sophomore at Colby Community College, where she was pursuing a degree in equine management and production. Her passion for rodeo was evident through her active participation in events like goat tying, breakaway roping, and team roping. In high school, she had been deeply involved in FFA, a nonprofit organization focused on agricultural education, and had competed in the Kansas Wild Horse Youth Challenge, winning grand champion titles in 2019 and 2021. She was also a member of the Kansas High School Rodeo Association for two years.

Colby Community College, where Brungardt attended and majored in equine management and production, shared a Facebook post calling Emma "a sweet soul who picked up other people and always had a positive attitude."

"Last night (Brungardt) along with 4 other team members and our work study were involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, Emma did not walk away from this," the school wrote. "We are praying for all families involved... Her light will live on in and around the rodeo arena."

In another Facebook post, the college wrote, "Last evening members past and present of the Colby CC Rodeo Team along with supporters memorialized our fallen cowgirl."

"We are sending prayers to ease the sorrow we are all feeling and that Emma is resting easy with her horses alongside the Lord," the Facebook post continued.

Emma was recognized as a first-generation cowgirl on the Miss Rodeo Kansas website, highlighting her dedication to the Western lifestyle. Her involvement in rodeo extended beyond competitions; she was a role model and an embodiment of the values she cherished.

The loss of such a vibrant young woman is a heavy blow to her family, friends, and the rodeo community. As they mourn her untimely passing, those who knew Emma remember her light and positivity, hoping that her legacy will continue to inspire others in the rodeo arena and beyond.