The rodeo community is grieving the tragic loss of 18-year-old Ace Patton Ashford, a rising star in the world of roping, who died in a freak accident on August 12 in Chilton, Texas. Known for his dedication to the sport and deep love for working with animals, Ashford was assisting a sick cow when a nearby horse was startled, leading to a devastating chain of events. His leg became trapped, and he was dragged across a field by the frightened animal.

Although emergency crews responded swiftly and he was airlifted to the hospital, Ashford succumbed to his injuries, just weeks before he was set to compete in a major rodeo event—fulfilling a lifelong dream.