College-bound rodeo roper dies in horse accident, Texas family says. ‘He was gold’

A college-bound cowboy unexpectedly died in an accident involving a horse, stunning his family, a Texas community, and many in the rodeo world, officials and news outlets report.

Ace Ashford, of Lott, was fatally injured Monday, Aug. 12, according to a Facebook post by Troy Ashford Farmers Insurance, his father’s business.

“Our hearts are extremely saddened for the Ashford family as they lost their youngest son in a tragic horse accident on Monday,” the post said. “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.”

Ashford was helping a sick calf at about 8 a.m. when something startled a horse, the Lott Volunteer Fire Department told KWTX. Ace’s leg was “somehow” caught, and when the horse bolted he went with it, dragged “quite a distance” across an open field.

The department said he was still alive when help arrived, but he ultimately died from his injuries, the station reported.

“The news of Ace’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the community, as those who knew and loved him struggle to come to terms with the loss of a young man whose life was filled with promise, kindness, and an extraordinary sense of humility,” his obituary read, according to KWTX. “Ace Ashford was more than just a bright and promising student; he was a beloved son, brother, friend, and community member who touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

The 18-year-old had been competing in rodeo since he was 4 years old and made a name for himself as an accomplished roper over the years, The Team Roping Journal reported.

“He was about as pure as they get. He was gold,” National Finals Rodeo roper Cody Snow told the outlet.

“He came to the house Tuesday and we roped before we went to Lovington — him and his dad. They ate dinner and went home, and we got to spend one last night with him,” Snow said. “I’m glad he got to see him before we left.”

“That’s who you want your son to grow up to be,” Marcus Becerra told the Journal. He and Ashford had competed together and won in the past, and said his horsemanship was on par with his manners.

“That’s why it hurt quite a bit. Everybody knows how good a kid he was, how cordial he was, how respectful he was,” Becerra said.

Lott, population 650, is a roughly 35-mile drive south from Waco.

This story was originally published August 14, 2024 at 9:13 AM with the headline "College-bound rodeo roper dies in horse accident, Texas family says. ‘He was gold’."