Key Takeaways
- Eight-time world champion roper Roy Cooper, 69, died in a house fire at his Texas home on April 23.
- Emergency services couldn’t enter the burning structure due to intense flames; an investigation is ongoing.
- The rodeo community mourns the “Super Looper,” whose legacy inspired generations of competitors.
The rodeo world is in mourning following the tragic demise of Roy Cooper, 69, a Hall of Fame calf roping legend, who passed away in a house fire at his home in Wise County on the evening of Tuesday, April 23.
Emergency services were dispatched around 7:08 p.m. to the 600 block of County Road 3051, where Cooper’s one-story residence was found fully engulfed in flames.
Despite the efforts of the Decatur Fire Department, Wise County EMS, and several mutual aid departments, the fire claimed one life.
Though the Wise County Fire Marshal’s Office has not officially confirmed the identity of the victim, multiple rodeo organizations and community sources have since identified the deceased as Roy Cooper.
Investigation Ongoing
Firefighters could not enter the burning structure upon arrival due to the intensity of the flames.
Reports from family members and evidence at the scene, including the presence of vehicles, led authorities to conclude that a fatality had occurred.
The Tarrant County Arson Task Force began investigating late Tuesday night because of the size of the blaze.
Wise County Fire Marshal Jeff Doughty and EMS Chief Randall Preuninger lead the ongoing inquiry.
A Cowboy For The Ages
Known in rodeo circles as the “Super Looper,” Roy Cooper’s name is well-known in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) history.
A member since 1976, Cooper claimed eight world championship titles, including six in calf roping, one in steer roping, and the All-Around Cowboy title in 1983.
His talent made him a household name in rodeo, inspiring generations of competitors.
Even after a serious wrist injury in 1979, Cooper returned stronger, claiming multiple championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The Texas High School Rodeo Association Region 7 broke the news on social media, writing:
“Roy wasn’t just a legend in the arena—he was a legend in life… His love for rodeo, family, and friends ran deep, and he carried that love with quiet pride and unmatched character. Our hearts are broken.”
TK Pro Rodeo echoed the sentiment:
“The rodeo world will forever mourn the loss of Roy.”
Via Facebook
Tributes have since flooded in from fellow cowboys, fans, and friends. One emotional message read:
“As a kid, I wore out VHS tapes watching him rope—over and over again… He was the standard. Roy wasn’t just a champion in the arena—he was a symbol of focus, grit, and grace under pressure.”
Via Facebook
A longtime friend added:
“Tonight I’m without words. May we all remember his talent in the arena and out. I’m grateful for the friendship of 40 years. Rest easy, my friend.”
Via Facebook
Roy Cooper was admired not just for his professional achievements but for his honest nature, cowboy humor, and dedication to his family.
His passing leaves a void in the rodeo community that cannot be filled.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Cooper, and their loved ones, all of whom now carry forward the legacy of a man whose name defined an era of rodeo.
Rest in Peace, Roy Cooper! Your rope may be laid down, but your legend will ride on forever.
