Barrel Racing Community Mourns The Loss Of Kent Magnuson Who Died In Plane Accident At The North of Kearney Regional Airport And Is Praying For His Wife, Beth Baxter

May Keth Ride Unicorn in Heaven!

August 29, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 29, 2026

National Barrel Horse Association, Nebraska, is currently mourning the loss of Kent Magnuson, who lost his life in a small Plane crash near Kearney on Wednesday Night around 10 PM.

Kent Magnuson,72, along with Dr. Mark Meyer, 77, were identified as the Victims, according to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office.

The aircraft flew north of the Kearney Regional Airport Terminal, and the remains were discovered around 10 am, several miles away.

Great Member Of the Barrel Racing Community

Kent and his wife, Beth Baxter, were both proud members of the Nebraska Barrel Community and also loved car racing.

Kent’s wife, Beth, was also an active Horse Barrel Racer. (Source: )

According to many, he was a great horseman, always hungry for a win, and one of the kindest souls they ever met. Many community members learned a great deal from him, as he had been involved in Barre Racing for decades.

“The Barrel racing circle lost a legend in the world/circle of barrel racing. I got the opportunity to take his pictures over many many years. I love taking his picture trying to get the timing down, to where he was touching the barrel with his hand holding the reins, trying to make sure the barrel didn’t tip over. RIP Kent Magnuson. And to Beth so sorry for your loss.” said Keth Kerschner with a heavy heart.

Some also wished him to ride a horse in heaven and spin around thousands of barrels, after the tragic incident. He also participated in various events, including Twisted Classic and Nebraska Can Jam, and had trained thousands of young horses throughout his lifetime.

“We loved him so. And all of us will grieve this and miss him deeply! May you ride a thousand fast horses and turn three thousand tight barrels! And hold them up in only the way you could! We will never stop loving you or looking for you at the next Barrel race. Love you always, Kent Magnuson. I will always miss my random kisses and hugs and telling me it was a great barrel race,” said Susan, a Nebraska Horse Barrel Community member.

Kent and Beth shared a love for Barrel Horse Racing for years. (Source: )

Kent never used to skip Barrel Racing when he got the chance, and was very much in touch with everybody in the Community. He has received prayers from hundreds of individuals, including those from the Racing Community, as well as his friends and family.

Every single member of the NBHA feels they have lost a veteran in their field, who also mentored anyone who needed assistance.

“Kent was one of a kind. When my mare bucked me off, he took her outside and schooled her for me. He was so talented,” said Jeanette Meissinger.

Unfortunately, Kent’s wife, Beth, has also lost her horse duo and will now have only a single companion by her side, but she will have continuous support from close family and friends, and all of the NBHA community.

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Anish Koirala has loved sports since he was a kid. He grew up playing basketball and soccer, and that passion stayed with him over the years. Today, Anish works as a writer and editor, sharing his knowledge and love for the game through articles and stories. He uses his playing experience to make his writing clear, thoughtful, and fun to read.

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