Emma Brungardt Obituary, Death – Emma Brungardt, the 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas and a student at Colby Community College, tragically died in a car crash in Thomas County, Kansas. The accident, which occurred around 9:44 p.m. on Friday, October 4, also injured four of her teammates. Brungardt was only 19 years old.
According to reports from *The Wichita Eagle* and KSN News, the crash took place when the vehicle, a 2007 Ford F-250 truck, veered off course at a Y intersection near a private drive. The driver, an 18-year-old man from Colorado, lost control of the truck, which crashed into a row of trees, causing the vehicle to flip and land upright. Brungardt was a passenger in the truck, along with her four teammates, all students at Colby Community College. Unfortunately, she died at the scene, while the driver and the other passengers were transported to Citizens Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.
The Kansas Highway Patrol’s crash report, cited by news outlets, detailed how the vehicle veered “between the Y” and struck the tree row, leading to the fatal accident. The collision’s impact was severe enough to cause the truck to overturn, and Brungardt, who was sitting inside, did not survive the crash.
Following the accident, tributes poured in for Brungardt, who was described by her college as a beloved student and teammate with an unwavering positive attitude. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Colby Community College shared photos of Brungardt horseback riding, alongside a message expressing deep sorrow for the loss. “Emma was a sweet soul who always had a positive attitude,” the post read. “Unfortunately, Emma did not walk away from this accident … We are praying for all families involved. Her light will live on in and around the rodeo arena.”
Brungardt, a dedicated rodeo competitor, was majoring in equine management and production. She was an active participant in rodeo events such as goat tying, breakaway roping, and team roping. Her involvement in the sport and her contributions to her team were widely recognized, and her absence will be deeply felt in the rodeo community.
The Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant also expressed their condolences to Brungardt’s family, mourning the loss of a talented and kind-hearted young woman. In a moving tribute posted on Facebook, the pageant organizers described her as “a true gem and horsewoman” who epitomized the qualities of a rodeo queen. “Emma always went above and beyond what was expected of her,” the post read. “We will miss her contagious smile and one-in-a-million personality.”
Brungardt’s teammates, who were all aged between 18 and 20, survived the crash with various injuries. Their identities were later revealed to be fellow Kansas residents. As they recover from the physical injuries sustained in the accident, the emotional weight of losing a friend and teammate will likely be an additional challenge for them to bear.
The crash has had a profound impact on both the local community and the wider rodeo community, as Emma Brungardt’s life was cut tragically short. Known for her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication, she had made a name for herself in the rodeo world, and her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
In the days following the accident, the rodeo community and Colby Community College came together to honor her memory. Friends, family, and fellow rodeo enthusiasts shared tributes online, remembering her for her love of horses, her infectious positivity, and her competitive spirit. The message from her college and the Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant echoed the sentiments of many who admired her for her kindness and her commitment to her sport.
Brungardt’s death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, especially for young people with so much promise and potential. As her friends and family mourn her loss, her legacy as a talented rodeo competitor and a beloved figure in the community will live on.
The tragic accident is under investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol, who will be examining the circumstances that led to the crash. While the specifics of what caused the driver to lose control remain unclear, the collision’s impact was devastating, claiming the life of a vibrant young woman who had a bright future ahead of her.
The rodeo community will continue to remember Emma Brungardt for the joy she brought to those around her and for her contributions to the sport she loved. In the words of her friends and family, “Her light will live on,” and her memory will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew her best.