A 13-year-old rodeo pageant queen from Idaho, described as “pure sunshine,” was killed on Labor Day when her family’s small plane crashed in Wyoming.

Authorities confirmed that the girl, Amelia Palmer, was found dead after their four-seat Piper PA-28 aircraft went down in the Bighorn National Forest on Monday afternoon. Her parents, Earl Palmer, 54, Cindy Palmer, 53, and her 11-year-old brother, Aeron, were all airlifted to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.

According to a GoFundMe page set up for the family, Earl “will need major reconstructive surgeries.” Cindy is also in critical condition, while Aeron reportedly suffered minor injuries. The Palmers’ three older sons were not on the plane at the time.

Amelia was recently crowned the 2024/2025 Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen and was named second runner-up in the 2026 Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho. The Miss Rodeo Idaho organization paid tribute to the teen in a heartfelt post:

“Amelia, you were pure sunshine and brought joy to everyone you met. Our rodeo family won’t be the same without you, and our hearts are truly broken today. Please join us in lifting her family up in prayer.”

Her bio on the Treasure Valley Rodeo website gave a glimpse into her vibrant life and many passions.

“When she’s not horseback riding in the arena, barrel racing, or participating in 4-H with Boots & Bullets, you can find her at her Great Uncle Mark Blackburn’s cattle ranch in Jamison, Oregon, or attending Working Ranch Horse 4-H clinics. Amelia also enjoys playing the cello, paddle boarding, and boating at the lake. She loves spending time outdoors, and on a relaxing day, you might find her listening to a good book and drawing.”

Friends remembered her as a joyful presence. Kathi Roe, a family friend, wrote, “No words can express the huge loss our community has faced today, but more than that a family that has done so much for others and is the backbone of so many things. The Palmers have all been such an integral part of my life since moving to Boise.”

She continued, “It was never boring with her around, she always made you smile, or laugh most of the time. She will have a piece of my heart forever and the utter devastation for the family I can’t imagine.”

The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office said deputies, rescue teams, and EMS worked tirelessly to reach the crash site “in the area west of Big Mountain.” In a statement, they confirmed that rescue crews found three injured family members and “a 13-year-old female, who was confirmed deceased on scene.”

Sheriff Levi Dominguez praised the responders, saying, “The coordinated effort between all of the rescuers, EMS, medical teams, and aircraft personnel was exceptional. This was, and still is, a very fluid scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ and their family.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash.

As the Palmer family faces an unimaginable loss, loved ones are asking for prayers for Cindy and Earl’s recovery. Roe also described Aeron, the couple’s young son, as “the amazing little hero that got his parents rescued and kept them safe.”

In times like these, the words of Psalm 34:18 offer comfort: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

The rodeo community and many others are lifting the Palmers up in prayer, remembering Amelia’s bright spirit and asking God to bring healing to her grieving family.