REPORT: Rodeo legend Roy Cooper dies in fire

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From Fox News: Roy Cooper, nicknamed the “Super Looper” during his legendary rodeo career, died this week at the age of 69.

Cooper, considered the greatest roper of all time, died in a house fire on his property in Decatur, Texas, Tuesday.

“It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of our Dad, The Super Looper, Roy Cooper,” Cooper’s son, Tuf, wrote in a Facebook post. “We’re all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy at the moment.”

Cooper launched his career in 1976, when he won a world championship in his first national finals. He won eight titles overall and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979, just three years into his career.

Professional Bull Riding CEO Sean Gleason released the following statement:

When anyone referenced the “Super Looper,” every rodeo fan knew exactly who you were talking about. Now, legendary rodeo cowboy Roy Cooper, who inspired so many with his strength, grit and heart, has left us, as a result of a tragic house fire in Decatur, Texas. He was 69.

Roy was an effortless master in tie-down roping the moment he rode onto the scene in in 1976, into the NFR, and out with a world title. He was exceptionally fast, and his consistency and technique revolutionized the discipline. Roy would take seven more world championships – six in tie-down roping, one in steer roping, and one all-around.

Beyond his prodigious trophy case, Roy had a significant impact on rodeo. His sons Clint, Cliff and Tuf became the first trio of brothers to all qualify for the NFR in the same season.

Roy was enjoying retirement and delighted when hearing he’d be recognized with the prestigious Ty Murray Top Hand Award at the upcoming PBR Heroes & Legends Ceremony. Ty will now induct Roy into the PBR Hall of Fame in a life celebration at our ceremony in July. We’ll share details on our plans when available.

The entire PBR family extends our sorrow and prayers to the Cooper family and the entire rodeo community.

The Texas Department of Agriculture wrote, “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 🙏🏻❤️.”

Country singer George Strait write, “We lost our good friend and my hero Roy Cooper yesterday. He’s with our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ now. God please be with the Cooper family and friends. We’ll miss you amigo. I’ll come find you one day. — gs.”

X user ‘Snipe’ wrote, “Heartbroken to hear that Roy Cooper has passed, the Michael Jordan of calf roping, a true icon in and out of the arena. 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.”

CBS News Texas anchor Madison Sawyer shared a report with a photo of Cooper and his 3 sons.

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