Marana barrel racer killed in hit-and-run

According to the page, Rice was airlifted by helicopter to the hospital after her vehicle was struck by Loescher’s car. She suffered a number of injuries, including a shoulder injury, fractured ribs and an injury in her pelvis that will require surgery.

“Doctors expect she will need six months to a year of intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation before she can regain her strength and independence,” the page said.

BR Diamond Spur Barrel Productions will be holding a fundraiser for both Sovereign and Rice on July 17. The event will be a 50/50 raffle, where half of the raffle proceeds will go to the ticket winner, and the other half will be divided between covering Sovereign’s memorial expenses and Rice’s hospital bills, according to the Facebook page.

Sovereign’s grandmother, Diane Fry, remembered her granddaughter as someone who was outgoing and had a lot going for her in life. Sovereign also wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, Fry said.

Fry said her sister got all of the girls into barrel racing as children, and Sovereign stuck with it.

“That was her love,” Fry said.

Sovereign is survived by her two younger sisters, who are 12 and 3, Fry said. Sovereign loved her sisters and was also the go-to person whenever her friends were going through a hard time, Fry said.

One of her friends, Jaceylyn Motes, remembered Sovereign as a great friend who always made sure everyone felt included. Motes credits Sovereign with helping her learn to live in the moment.

Motes said Sovereign had recently gotten back into barrel racing at the time of her death. She was working hard to become better and had dreams to go professional one day.