Who Was Emma Brungardt? 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas Killed In Car Crash

Tragedy struck rural Kansas on October 4 when the 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, Emma Brungardt, was killed in a car accident. The 19-year-old, who was a sophomore (second-year student) at Colby Community College, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas Killed In Car Crash

Brungardt, along with five of her college equestrian teammates, was involved in the crash. The driver of the vehicle, an 18-year-old whose identity has not been released, was heading south when the truck veered off the road, hitting a row of trees and causing the vehicle to flip, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Brungardt’s teammates, who were passengers in the vehicle, were taken to Citizens Medical Centre in Colby, Kansas, for treatment of minor injuries. School officials have expressed their condolences, describing Brungardt as a beloved member of the community. The Colby Community College Rodeo Team posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, saying, "Emma was a sweet soul who picked up other people and always had a positive attitude."  They added, "Her light will live on in and around the rodeo arena."

The accident has left the rodeo and equestrian community in mourning, with many remembering Brungardt for her incredible spirit and dedication to the sport.

Who was Emma Brungardt?

Emma Brungardt was not only Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, but she was also a rising star in the rodeo world. Brungardt competed in various events, including goat tying, breakaway, and team roping, as part of the college's rodeo team.

As a sophomore at Colby Community College, she was majoring in equine management and production, a field that reflected her deep passion for horses. She was a first-generation cowgirl who immersed herself in the Western way of life from a young age. She participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA) during high school and competed in the Kansas Wild Horse Youth Challenge for four years, winning the grand champion title in both 2019 and 2021. Brungardt also competed in the Kansas High School Rodeo Association for two years, showcasing her talents and dedication to the sport.

The Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant shared their sorrow on Facebook, saying, "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."