A rodeo team member died in a fatal car accident when he lost control of the vehicle Saturday in Comanche County, KS. Joaquin Alonso Rivero-Venegas, a freshman from Protection, Kansas, died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident Saturday near his hometown.

He was member of the Northwestern rodeo team and his instructors have said he was an outstanding young man. His Adviser Dr. Dean Scarbrough, chair of the agriculture department said Alonso was a bright student.

“He was a nice young man with an infectious personality, and had a bright future ahead of him. On behalf of the whole agriculture department I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said Scarbrough.

Dr. Janet Cunningham president of the university also expresses her deepest condolences. “We offer our deepest sympathies to his family, and to his friends and classmates at Northwestern. The tragic loss of a student brings about many emotions. Our counselors in Student Services are available to visit with any student or employee who seeks help dealing with this situation.”

Alonso’s Funeral Mass is at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2017, at First Christian Church, Coldwater, KS. Graveside service is at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Protection Cemetery, Protection, KS.