What a tragedy! The whole country is mourning the passing.
18-year-old rodeo roper Ace Patton Ashford tragically died on August 12 in Chilton, Texas, just weeks before achieving a lifelong goal. The accident occurred when Ashford, helping a sick calf, startled a nearby horse. His leg got caught, and he was dragged across an open field. Despite being found alive with head injuries, he later died in the hospital.
Ashford was a skilled roper who had recently graduated from Rosebud-Lott High School and was set to start college at Hill College this fall. His obituary described him as someone who “dedicated innumerable hours to roping in order to reach his full potential” and “loved spending time in the great outdoors hunting, rodeoing, or just hanging out with his buddies.”
Touching tributes poured in, with many remembering him as “an amazing young man” with a kind and happy spirit. His girlfriend, Sydney Boatright, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, writing, “I love you forever, Ace Patton.”
