A bright young pageant queen has sadly passed away after a brutal car crash over the weekend.
Tragedy closed in on a Kansas community on Friday night when local cowgirl Emma Brungardt died in a car crash. According to The Wichita Eagle, Emma was one of six passengers, including the 18-year-old driver, who were involved in the crash where she tragically lost her life. The outlet reported that the crash occurred when the vehicle, which was headed south, went “between” a Y-intersection and struck a tree, leading the car to roll. Thankfully, the other five passengers were all transported to the Citizens Medical Center in Colby with non-life-threatening injuries. Emma wasn’t so lucky.
The teen was named the 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas and served on the Colby Community College Rodeo team on a rodeo scholarship. You can see some of her skills (below):
@mustang._emma ♬ original sound – ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
@mustang._emma I finally did it! 2.5 in stilly this last weekend! I placed 13th out of 170 ropers and was one spot from being in thr short go. Everyday im thankful for my horses and support system and especially the good Lord.????
@mustang._emma The best sound ever!! We going at least 25mph and faster, and I was bareback!!
So much potential. What a tragedy for her to be taken so young.
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Following the devastating news, the official Facebook page for the Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant took to the social media platform to share their condolences for Emma:
“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.”
So, so sad.
The Colby Community College Rodeo team also paid tribute to Emma on Saturday, sharing various action shots of her alongside a sweet message:
“This is Emma Brungardt. She is from Blue Rapids Kansas and is majoring in equine management and production. Emma competes in goat tying, breakaway and team roping. Last night her along with 4 other team members and our work study were involved in a car accident. Unfortunately Emma did not walk away from this. We are praying for all families involved. Emma was a sweet soul who picked up other people and always had a positive attitude. Her light will live on in and around the rodeo arena. ‘Always pray, never lose hope Luke 18:1”
A bright light gone far too soon. Rest in peace, Emma.
