Rodeo Legend Leaves Family ‘In Shock’ After Dying in House Fire

Rodeo Hall of Famer Roy Cooper had a legendary career spanning decades. His tragic death has left his family and the rodeo community reeling as tributes in his honor pour in.

At around 7 p.m. on April 29, local law enforcement in Decatur, Texas, responded to reports of a fire. Fire officials discovered a body inside the home, later identified as Cooper. He was 69. An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.

His son, Tuf Cooper, announced his passing in a statement on Facebook. "It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of our Dad, The Super Looper, Roy Cooper. We're all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy at the moment," he wrote.

The National Cowboy Museum also remembered Cooper with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. "The Cowboy is saddened to hear the news of the death of Roy Cooper, an all-time rodeo great," the statement read.

Cooper's career began in 1976, when he secured his first world championship title and took home $2 million, making him the first cowboy to achieve such a milestone.

He would collect eight world championship titles before being inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1983. His father, Tuffy, and cousin, Jimmie, are also members of the hall.

In the statement museum also pledged to honor with a Ty Murray Top Hand Award at this year's PBR Heroes & Legends Celebration. The event will take place on July 10. The late rodeo star is survived by his sons Clint, Clif, and Tuf, who have followed in his footsteps.