Lacey Chambers was a young and talented bull rider who died in a car accident in January 2023. She was 16 years old and a sophomore at Wapahani High School in Muncie, Indiana. She was a member of the girl’s wrestling team and the school band, and a champion in the International Miniature Rodeo Association. She loved horses and animals and was a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. Her death shocked and saddened the rodeo community and her hometown, where she was remembered as a joyful and resilient person.
Who Was Lacey Chambers?
Lacey Chambers was born in Winchester, Indiana on August 29, 2006. She was the daughter of Lance Chambers and Laura VanMatre, and the sister of Lexis and Lyla Chambers. She grew up in a family of rodeo enthusiasts and started riding bulls at the age of eight. She was passionate about the sport and dedicated to improving her skills. She also enjoyed wrestling, playing the bass clarinet, and spending time with her horse Sadie and her other pets. She was a bright and cheerful student who excelled in academics and extracurricular activities.
Accomplishments in Bull Riding
Lacey Chambers was one of the best bull riders in her age group and competed in several local and national events. She was a member of the Mack & More Bull Riders, Fighters, and Barrels team, and participated in the International Miniature Rodeo Association (IMRA) circuit. She won several awards and trophies, including third place in the IMRA Championship in 2022. She was admired by her peers and mentors for her courage, determination, and skill. She had a dream of becoming a professional bull rider and inspiring other girls to pursue the sport.
The Tragic Accident
Details of the Car Crash
On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Lacey Chambers and her two sisters were involved in a horrific car crash on their way home from school. According to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, a minivan driven by a minor pulled out into the path of a southbound pickup truck on U.S. 35 near County Road 650-S. The truck hit the passenger side of the minivan, causing both vehicles to spin out of control. The minivan traveled 165 feet, while the truck flipped over and landed on its top 55 feet away. The crash scene was attended by several emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and a helicopter.
Injuries Sustained
Lacey Chambers and her sisters were severely injured in the collision. Lacey and Lexis were airlifted to hospitals in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, while Lyla was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The driver of the truck, a man from Mooreland, was also taken to the hospital by ambulance. Lacey suffered from multiple internal injuries and brain trauma and was placed on life support at Riley Children’s Hospital. She fought for her life for two days but succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Her sisters and the truck driver survived the crash but faced a long recovery process.
Remembering Lacey
Obituary
Lacey Chambers’ obituary was published in the Star Press on January 25, 2023. It described her as a “joyful student and loved by many in the community and especially the school band”. It also listed her family members, hobbies, achievements, and funeral arrangements. It stated that she was preceded in death by her great-grandparents and that memorial contributions could be directed to Riley Hospital for Children.
Memorial Events
Lacey Chambers’ funeral service was held privately on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel. She was laid to rest in Tomlinson Cemetery. A public visitation was held on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Glad Tidings Church, where hundreds of people came to pay their respects and offer their condolences. Her school and rodeo team also organized a candlelight vigil and a balloon release in her honor. Her bandmates played her favorite song, “Amazing Grace”, and her bull-riding friends wore her signature pink cowboy hat.
Condolences and Donations
Lacey Chambers’ death touched the hearts of many people, who expressed their sorrow and sympathy through social media, cards, flowers, and donations. A GoFundMe account was set up by her family to help cover the medical and funeral expenses and raised over $30,000 in a few days. Many people also donated to Riley Hospital for Children in her name, as a way of thanking the staff for their care and support. Lacey Chambers was remembered as a brave and beautiful girl who lived her life to the fullest and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
