Community grieves for girl killed at rodeo

Classmates, teachers and staff at Fallon's E.C. Best Elementary School returned to school Tuesday mourning the loss of a first-grade student.

Kendra Beebe, 6, died Sunday morning after an accident with a horse at the Churchill County Fairgrounds. She was preparing to participate in a junior rodeo at the Cantaloupe Festival.

While riding in a practice arena at the fairgrounds with her father Matt at her side, Kendra's horse was spooked by a passing golf cart and threw her. She was transported to Banner Churchill Community Hospital by ambulance, where she died from her injuries.

Kendra participated in Boots and Britches for two years, a rodeo skills program for young children. Her grandmother, Nancy Bradley, said this was Kendra's first year of rodeo, and she participated in barrel racing, pole bending and Figure 8.

Services will be held Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to two local causes: Churchill Animal Protection Society, 5894 Pasture Road, Fallon, 89406; or to the Churchill County Parks and Recreation Boots and Britches program, 325 Sheckler Road, Fallon, 89406.