Emma Brungardt, the 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Queen, passed away in a tragic car crash in Kansas. She was 19. 

Brungardt was in a vehicle with 4 teammates from the Colby Community College Rodeo Team, a little before 10 p.m. on October 4. A Colorado man was driving the vehicle when he veered off the road and crashed into a tree row. The five other people in the vehicle sustained minor injuries. Brungardt died at the scene of the accident according to PEOPLE.

The 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas attended Colby Community College. The Colby Rodeo club at the community college posted a tribute to Brungardt. The post said Emma “is from Blue Rapids Kansas and is majoring in equine management and production. Emma competes in goat tying, breakaway and team roping.” She was described as “a sweet soul who picked up other people and always had a positive attitude.”

There was also a Facebook tribute post from The Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant. 

 “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.”

Rest in Peace.