A tragic incident unfolded at the Union County West End Fair in Laurelton, Pennsylvania, when a dislodged vehicle part killed a mother of two during a tractor-pull event. On August 11, Brandy Horner, 33, was watching the competition when an equipment malfunction caused an exhaust wheel to break off and strike her in the neck. Despite immediate assistance from off-duty medical personnel and first responders present at the scene, Horner was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The fair’s president, Dennis Boop, described the incident as a “freak accident.” Following the tragedy, the remaining events at the pulling track were called off, although the rest of the fair activities proceeded as planned. Pennsylvania State Police have ruled out any foul play or criminality in their ongoing investigation.
Horner leaves behind her husband, Travis, with whom she shared a decade-long marriage and their two sons. Her obituary paints a picture of a woman whose life revolved around her family, particularly her “three boys,” Troy, Blake, and Travis. She was fond of baking, gardening, and camping with her family, and her absence will be deeply felt by many.
Horner had a long-standing career at The Learning Lamp, where she was remembered fondly by her colleagues. Leah Spangler, the president of the organization, mourned her death as a “huge loss.” She praised Horner’s dedication to her work, noting her love for working with children and her belief in the value of the preschool program.
Tractor pulling, often referred to as the “world’s heaviest motorsport,” involves modified tractors or trucks dragging a metal sled along a track. The tractor that pulls its sled the farthest distance is declared the winner.
The Union County West End Fair expressed its condolences to Horner’s family in a statement released four days after the incident. They also thanked the Good Samaritans who tried to help Horner before medical personnel arrived, as well as the West End Ambulance and Life Flight for their quick response.
A donation drive has been set up for the Horner family through their church, Saint David’s Learning Center, in Davidsville, Pennsylvania.