18-Year-Old Texas Rodeo Star Dies in Tragic Accident

Ace Patton Ashford was tending to a sick calf when a spooked horse dragged him, leading to fatal injuries.

Ace Patton Ashford, 18, was a junior rodeo champion from Lott, Texas.
The accident occurred on August 12 while Ashford was caring for a sick calf.
First responders found him with severe head injuries and he was airlifted to a hospital.
Ashford had recently graduated high school and was set to join Hill College's rodeo team.
He was remembered as a hardworking, respectful young man with a promising future.