Rodeo Star roper Ace Patton Ashford of Lott, Texas passed away on August 12. He sustained injuries from being dragged by a horse. He was 18.
Ashford had been working with a sick calf when a horse nearby got spooked. First responders arrived at the scene around 8 a.m.
“Somehow, the man’s leg got tangled and the horse [dragged] him quite a distance in an open field,” the Lott VFD told KWTX. Ashford was airlifted by paramedics. He was breathing and had a pulse; but, he had suffered head injuries. First responders described his condition as being in “bad shape” before he passed away.
The teenager spent hours practicing his roping techniques and was an active member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association. He was getting ready to attend college on scholarship. He was going to be on the Hill College Rodeo Team.
The teen dedicated hours to practicing his roping skills and was a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association. Ashford had also received a scholarship and was preparing to be part of the Hill College Rodeo Team in the fall.
Troy Ashford Farmers Insurance posted a tribute to Facebook: “Our hearts are extremely saddened for the Ashford family as they lost their youngest son in a tragic horse accident on Monday. We pray for peace and comfort for all the family and friends. If you knew Ace Ashford, you knew an amazing and humble young man. Recent high school graduate on his way to his college career. He was taken from us too soon and we are all in mourning.” “Please bare with us as we mourn the loss as a family together. We will be on limited staff for the next few days in the office, but our district office is ready and available to assist our customers however possible. They can be reached at 254-531-0484. Ace—our heart hurts and we will never truly understand why, but we know you are flying high with the greatest man possible and are no longer in pain. We will always love you!”
The Team Roping Journal posted a tribute to Ashford on Facebook. Ashford “was an ‘old soul’ who left far too soon when he died yesterday.”Our hearts ache for our team roping family and everyone who loves this young cowboy.”
Ashford is survived by his parents, sister and her fiancé, brother, and his wife and his girlfriend Sydney Boatright.
Rest In Peace.
