Colby Community College mourns loss of team member in tragic accident

According to multiple reports, 19-year-old Emma Brungardt died in a car accident on Friday, October 4th.

Brungardt was Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas 2024 and a member of the Colby Community College rodeo team.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol accident report, shortly before 10 p.m. Friday evening, Brungardt was a passenger in a vehicle that left the roadway and struck a line of trees.

Brungardt was in the vehicle along with other members of the rodeo team who were also injured and taken to the hospital.

The sophomore from Blue Rapids, Kansas, has been heavily involved in the Western industry, not only serving as rodeo queen but also competing in goat tying, breakaway and team roping for the Colby Community College team. Brungardt was there on a scholarship.

The college shared a post on social media about their beloved teammate, saying, “Emma was a sweet soul who welcomed other people and always had a positive attitude. Their light will live on in and around the rodeo arena.”

Brungardt was loved by many, as social media also had very kind words for the Miss Rodeo Kansas pageant.

Brungardt began her Western lifestyle by joining FFA in high school and then competing in the Kansas Wild Horse Youth Challenge. According to her profile on the Miss Rodeo Kansas page, she was the event’s grand champion in 2019 and 2021. She also competed in the Kansas High School Rodeo for two years.

The Central Plains College Rodeo Region and all Colby Community College teammates and friends are suffering a traumatic and devastating loss.

The rodeo and western community stands behind all of you as you navigate this incredible loss.

To Emma’s family and friends, the entire Rodeo on SI team sends our deepest condolences.