13-Year-Old Rodeo Queen Amelia Palmer Killed In Wyoming Plane Crash
on Sep 04, 2025
The rodeo community is grieving the death of Amelia Palmer who died in a plane crash on Labor Day.
Amelia Palmer, 13, was traveling with her parents and brother on a Piper PA-28-180 to their home in Boise, Idaho, when the plane crashed near Sheridan, Wyoming. Initial reports from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) say that Amelia was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in the Bighorn Mountains.
Amelia’s parents, Cindy and Earl, were transported to a hospital in Billings, Montana, where they remain in critical condition in ICU. “Earl will need major reconstructive surgeries,” according to a GoFundMe page set up for the family. The extent of Cindy’s injuries is unknown.
(Photo credit: GoFundMe)
11-year-old Aeron is recovering at a Wyoming hospital and suffered minor injuries. uncle, Cole Panike, shared on Facebook that Aeron is the one who called for help following the crash.
Amelia Palmer was active in the pageant and rodeo communities and was the 2024-2025 Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen.
Numerous rodeo associations from around the country paid tribute to Amelia following her death.
“Our rodeo family is heartbroken. We lost Amelia Palmer, our 2024–2025 Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen, in the tragic plane crash. Amelia brought joy, spirit, and light to our rodeo community, and she will be deeply missed,” Treasure Valley Rodeo shared on Facebook.
Ada County 4-H wrote, “Our hearts are heavy today. Please help us lift up the Palmer family in peace for the tragic loss of their daughter Amelia, healing for their son, Aeron and parents, Cindy and Earl.”
Friends and family also posted tributes, remembering Amelia as a “beautiful, full-of-life teen” who “always made you smile or laugh most of the time.”
Donations to help the Palmer family with funeral expenses, medical and household bills, and travel expenses can be made through GoFundMe.
