Rodeo World Mourns the Loss of Legend Roy Cooper Following Tragic Fire Near Decatur, Texas
Decatur, TX – In a heartbreaking blow to the rodeo community, legendary cowboy Roy Cooper has died in a devastating house fire that erupted on the evening of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, near Decatur, Texas. Known as one of the most iconic and accomplished rodeo athletes in history, Cooper’s death has sent waves of grief and disbelief through the tight-knit world of rodeo and beyond.
First responders were called to the scene of the blaze shortly after it was reported. Despite arriving quickly and working tirelessly to control the fire, emergency crews discovered one individual deceased inside the residence. Authorities later confirmed that the victim was 8-time world champion cowboy Roy Cooper, a man revered not only for his unmatched record in the arena but also for his enduring legacy as a mentor, father, and pillar of the sport.
A Champion and a Patriarch
Roy Cooper, affectionately known as the “Super Looper,” was a titan in the world of professional rodeo. A native Texan and rodeo royalty, Cooper won eight PRCA World Championships, including six in tie-down roping, one in steer roping, and the coveted All-Around Cowboy title. His fearless style, quick hands, and relentless work ethic revolutionized timed events and set a new standard for future generations of ropers.
But Cooper’s influence extended far beyond his own accolades. As the proud father of champion cowboys Clif Cooper, Clint Cooper, and Tuf Cooper, Roy played an instrumental role in cultivating one of the most successful rodeo dynasties in history. His sons have carried the Cooper name across arenas nationwide, each forging his own legacy in the sport their father helped shape.
Tuf Cooper, a four-time world champion and one of the PRCA’s most recognizable faces, has often spoken about the deep respect he held for his father—not just as a competitor, but as a guiding force in life.
“Everything I know about the arena, about work ethic, about being a cowboy, I learned from my dad,” Tuf once said. “He taught us how to win, but more importantly, he taught us how to carry ourselves when we don’t.”
A Community in Shock
The fire, which occurred just outside Decatur, has left friends, family, and fans reeling. The loss of such a foundational figure in the rodeo world is almost incomprehensible to those who knew him personally or admired him from afar.
Local officials have not yet released the cause of the fire, stating that an investigation is underway. They noted that conditions at the scene were hazardous and that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. No other injuries have been reported.
In the wake of the tragedy, tributes have begun to pour in from across the country—from rodeo athletes, fans, and organizations.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) released a statement, saying:
“Roy Cooper was more than a champion—he was a legend, a mentor, and the beating heart of professional rodeo for decades. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in our sport. We offer our deepest condolences to the Cooper family during this incredibly difficult time.”
A Lasting Legacy
Roy Cooper’s name is etched into rodeo history not only in the record books but in the hearts of those he inspired. He was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and was widely credited with elevating the skill, speed, and precision of timed roping events to an art form.
His impact can be measured in championships, yes—but also in the thousands of young cowboys and cowgirls who grew up watching him, learning from his example, and daring to dream because he proved it was possible.
He was the kind of man who lived by the code of the West: humble in victory, graceful in defeat, always ready to lend a hand or share advice with the next generation. In and out of the arena, Roy Cooper was a cowboy’s cowboy.
Moving Forward
As the Cooper family and the rodeo community come to terms with this tragic loss, plans are underway for memorial services and tributes to honor Roy’s extraordinary life. In the coming days, the family is expected to release a formal statement and share information on public services.
For now, those who loved and admired Roy Cooper are left with memories of a life lived with grit, grace, and glory. His presence may be gone, but his legacy—in the arena, in his sons, and in the spirit of rodeo—will endure for generations.
Rest in peace, Roy Cooper. The arena won’t be the same without you.