Rodeo legend Roy Cooper dies in Texas house fire

Rodeo legend Roy “Super Looper” Cooper, an eight-time PRCA world champion and one of the most decorated calf ropers in history, died Tuesday night after a fire engulfed his home outside Decatur, Texas. He was 69.

The blaze was reported around 7:08 p.m. at a large one-story home on County Road 3051, registered to Cooper and his wife, Sharon. By the time Wise County EMS and Decatur firefighters arrived, the structure was fully involved. Despite efforts from the multiple responding departments, the home was a total loss. One individual was found dead at the scene, and family members later confirmed it was Cooper.

“There’s nothing that we can confirm at this point,” said Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger, who joined Wise County Fire Marshal Jeff Doughty Tuesday night told local media outlet The Messenger at the scene. 

Fire crews did not initially enter the home but determined there was a fatality based on vehicles present and information from relatives. As of early Wednesday morning, officials had not publicly confirmed Cooper’s identity, though several rodeo organizations and his son, Tuf Cooper, acknowledged his passing.

“It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of our Dad, The Super Looper, Roy Cooper,” Tuf wrote on Facebook. “We’re all in shock and at a loss for words.”

Originally from Hobbs, New Mexico, Cooper won the calf roping world championship in his rookie year, 1976. His dominance continued through the 1980s, where he captured four consecutive titles in tie-down roping and the all-around world title in 1983. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and was widely respected as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Cooper’s family continued his rodeo legacy. Sons Clint, Clif, and Tuf all became NFR qualifiers, with Tuf winning multiple world titles. His stepdaughter, Shada, is married to 26-time world champion Trevor Brazile, making the Coopers one of rodeo’s most accomplished families.

The Wise County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation with help from the Tarrant County Arson Task Force and the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. No additional injuries were reported.

Further details surrounding the cause of the fire and Cooper’s death remain under investigation.