In the world of rodeo, where bravery, skill, and endurance are vital, tragedies can strike unexpectedly, leaving families and communities devastated.
One such devastating loss occurred this week when a promising young rodeo roper, 18-year-old Ace Patton Ashford, was taken from us in a tragic accident just weeks before he set out to achieve a lifelong goal. What should have been a routine day turned into a heart-wrenching turn of events that left all who knew Ace reeling from the loss of a bright and vibrant soul.
Tragic loss: 18-year-old Rodeo Roper Ace Patton Ashford dies in a riding accident just weeks before achieving a lifelong dream
A young rodeo roper tragically died this week after being dragged across a field by his horse. Ace Patton Ashford, 18, died on August 12 while assisting with a sick calf.
The tragic incident occurred around 8 a.m. in Chilton, Texas, about 20 miles south of Waco. According to NBC affiliate KPLCTV, the accident happened when Ashford and the calf spooked a nearby horse. The Lott Volunteer Fire Department explained that Ashford’s leg got caught and the horse dragged him a long distance across an open field. When Ashford was discovered, he had a head injury but was still breathing and had a pulse. He was airlifted to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
At the time of the accident, Ashford was on the verge of achieving a lifelong goal. Ashford, a skilled roper in Texas, recently graduated from Rosebud-Lott High School and was preparing to attend Hill College in the fall. His obituary emphasized his deep passion for rodeo and western life, noting, “Ace devoted countless hours to roping to reach his full potential.”
The obituary also spoke of his love of the outdoors, where he enjoyed hunting, riding rodeos, and spending time with friends. “Ace was a kind soul who never met a stranger,” it said, and tributes poured in from those who knew him. “He was a bright light in everyone’s life,” one person wrote. “Ace was a great person, always polite and full of potential,” said another.
As Sports Illustrated reported, Ashford grew up in a rodeo-loving family, with both of his parents being rodeo competitors. He often competed alongside his older brother Ross, who also qualified for the national finals. Ashford’s girlfriend, Sydney Boatright, posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing: “Love you forever Ace Patton” under a photo of them together.
This devastating loss left the community in mourning as Ashford’s bright future was tragically cut short.
The sudden and tragic death of 18-year-old Ace Patton Ashford has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him. A young man with tremendous potential and a bright future ahead of him, Ace’s love of rodeo and dedication to his craft was evident in everything he did. His untimely death, just weeks before achieving a lifelong goal of attending college, shook his family, friends, and community. But his legacy will live on through the many moving tributes from those who admired his kindness, his passion for life,e, and his unshakable spirit. Ace’s memory will continue to inspire those who knew him and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of crossing his path.