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ProRodeo Icon Roy Cooper Dies in Texas House Fire at 69

The Hall of Famer, known as 'Super Looper,' leaves behind a storied legacy in rodeo as tributes pour in and fire officials investigate the blaze.

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Rodeo legend Roy Cooper was known for his calf roping skills. In this 2004 file photo, calf roping rope is shown as part of the Rodeo's display in Reliant Stadium.
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Overview

  • Roy Cooper, a ProRodeo Hall of Famer and legendary tie-down roper, was killed in a house fire at his Decatur, Texas home on April 29, 2025.
  • The fire, reported around 7 PM, is under investigation, with no cause yet determined, according to local authorities.
  • Cooper's son, Tuf Cooper, expressed the family's shock and grief in a heartfelt social media post, calling the loss a tragedy.
  • Tributes have poured in from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the Texas High School Rodeo Association, and country star George Strait, who called Cooper his hero and friend.
  • Known as 'Super Looper,' Cooper was a seven-time world champion, the first cowboy to earn $2 million in ProRodeo history, and a mentor to future generations through his junior roping championship.