BREAKING NEWS Rodeo Hall of Famer Roy Cooper dies in tragic house fire at 69 sending shockwaves through roping world
Rodeo legend Roy Cooper has reportedly died in a house fire at the age of 69.
Cooper - affectionally nicknamed Super Looper - established himself as one of the most iconic figures in calf roping and professional rodeo, having been a trailblazing force in the sport.
The news of his tragic death in Texas sent shockwaves through the rodeo world as tributes poured in from the mourning community.
The ProRodeo Hall of Famer was found dead Tuesday night after his property in Decatur, Texas burnt down, according to reports from local media. Cooper is believed to have been the only body discovered at the scene.
Emergency services reportedly responded to reports of the blaze shortly after 7pm ET with the large one-story home said to be engulfed in flames when the fire department crews arrived on the scene.
Members of the rodeo community began paying tribute to the legend Wednesday morning.
'The rodeo community mourns a tremendous loss today with the passing of rodeo legend and Super Looper, Roy Cooper. Commissioner Sid Miller and his wife, Debra, are lifting the Cooper family up in prayer as they navigate this heartbreaking time,' the Texas Department of Agriculture wrote.
'Heartbroken to hear that Roy Cooper has passed, the Michael Jordan of calf roping, a true icon in and out of the arena,' one fan account shared. 'I grew up seeing him around town, always in awe. I'll never forget when he and George Strait stopped by the DQ where I worked, Texas legends in real life. Lifting prayers for comfort and peace to his family and loved ones. His legacy rides on.'
'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cooper family after the tragic accident that took place tonight,' an Oklahoma rodeo group said. 'The rodeo world will forever mourn the loss of Roy.'
'Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Roy Cooper, an eight-time world champion calf roper and a true legend in the arena,' Andra Estes Beatty, a 2020 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee, said.
'He inspired generations of cowboys and his legacy lives on. Praying for comfort and peace for his family during this time.'
The New Mexico native qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo as a Rookie where he went on to be the World Champion in 1976.
He went on to add seven more world titles to his collection throughout his illustrious career.
The revolutionary roper was the PRCA Tie-Down World Champion in 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984. He was also the All-Around World Champion in 1983. Making it a triple crown that year, he was named the 1983 Steer Roping World Champion.
Cooper, the son of champion roper Dale 'Tuffy' Cooper, started his career in the junior ranks of rodeo, earning several American Junior Rodeo Association championships including six All-Around cowboy titles.
He then moved on to college rodeo for Southeastern Oklahoma State College where he was the 1975 NIRA Calf Roping Champion.
Cooper leaves behind three sons, Tuf, Clif and Clint.
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