Idaho's Amelia Palmer earned some prominent rodeo titles in her young life. She was the 2024-2025 Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen and second runner-up for 2026 Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho.
Tragically, the 13-year-old died in a plane crash this week that left her parents in critical condition, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the family.
"The Palmers are facing a devastating tragedy. Around 5 p.m. on Monday, Cindy, Earl, Amelia, and Aeron were flying home from Wyoming when their plane went down," the page says.
According to the Idaho Press, the plane crashed near Sheridan, Wyoming, and was found in the Bighorn Mountains. Aeron, 11, Amelia's brother, survived with minor injuries and was able to contact authorities, the news site reported, adding that the cause of the crash is not yet clear.
"Cindy and Earl are both in critical condition and Aeron suffered minor injuries. Amelia did not survive the crash. The family is in desperate need of love, strength, and healing right now," the GoFundMe page adds.
"Earl will need major reconstructive surgeries and Cindy is also in critical condition (extent of her injuries are unknown at this time). They will need help with medical bills, household bills, travel costs, and funeral costs. Please give what you can to help. Every donation helps."
The GoFundMe page contains a photo of the Palmer family inside a plane.
Black Canyon Stock Show & Rodeo Royalty posted a tribute to Amelia on its Facebook page.
"Amelia was a bright spot in our community. She will be immensely missed. She always had a smile on her face and was willing to lend a helping hand. Her family was a blessing to everyone they met," the post says. "We ask that you consider donating to help this family during this time of immense tragedy. There is no truly understanding this type of loss."
The page also posted a tribute by "teen queen" Nyah Brainerd, which read, "Amelia had a rare light within her. She always seemed to know how to find the bright side, even in the toughest moments. And more than that—she helped others find it too. When I was struggling, when things felt heavy, she would remind me of what truly mattered. She had an incredible understanding of life, as if she just instinctively knew what was most important."