What a tragedy! The whole country is mourning the passing.

Eighteen-year-old rodeo roper Ace Patton Ashford died in a tragic freak accident on August 12 while helping a sick cow, when he was dragged across a field by his horse and suffered fatal injuries. His death has deeply shaken the tight-knit rodeo community, where he was admired for his talent, dedication, and the promise of a bright future, cut short just weeks before he was set to achieve one of his lifelong dreams in the sport.