The 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas tragically lost her life in a single-vehicle crash on the night of October 4, 2024.
Emma C. Brungardt, who was part of the Colby College Community Rodeo Team, was involved in an accident, which left five others injured, including her rodeo teammates.
The crash occurred at a Y intersection on County Road 21 and a private drive. According to the crash report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, the southbound vehicle veered between the branches of the Y, colliding with a row of trees. It eventually came to a stop upright, facing south within the tree line.
Emma C. Brungardt, 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, from a Facebook post dated August 8, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Missrodeokansaspageant
The 19-year-old tragically died at the scene of the accident, which occurred at 9:44 p.m. on County Road 21. The driver, an 18-year-old man from Flagler, Colorado, was behind the wheel of a 2007 Ford F-250 truck.
Emma C. Brungardt, 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, from a Facebook post dated August 8, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Missrodeokansaspageant
Four other passengers, 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, were also in the vehicle. After reporting pain, the driver and passengers were all transported to Citizens Medical Center in Colby for treatment.
Emma C. Brungardt, 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, from a Facebook post dated August 8, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Missrodeokansaspageant
Emma was from Blue Rapids Kansas and was majoring in equine management and production. The sophomore competed in the rodeo on activities such as goat tying, breakaway, and team roping for the Colby College Community Rodeo Team.
Emma C. Brungardt, 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, from a Facebook post dated August 8, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Missrodeokansaspageant
She joined the institution on scholarship after attending Valley Heights USD 498. The Colby College Community Rodeo Team shared the news of Emma’s death.
They wrote, “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.”
They paid tribute to Emma, recalling her as a kind-hearted person who uplifted those around her with her positive outlook. The Colby College Community Rodeo Team also eulogized her, “Her light will live on in and around the rodeo arena.”
Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant also passed on their deepest condolences to the family of Emma, whom they called, “Our beautiful Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas 2024.”
They described Emma as a remarkable individual and skilled horsewoman who truly exemplified the spirit of a rodeo queen, consistently exceeding expectations. Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant also added, “We will miss her contagious smile and one in a million personality.”
Emma’s profile on Miss Rodeo Kansas highlighted her impressive achievements and dedication as a first-generation cowgirl. It mentioned how Emma was into the Western lifestyle from her high school years.
She even competed in the Kansas Wild Horse Youth Challenge for four consecutive years. In the four years, she bagged grand champion titles in both 2019 and 2021.
Before this, she competed in the Kansas High School Rodeo Association for two years. Emma will be deeply missed by those who knew her and admired her talent and passion.
