Rodeo World Stunned as ProRodeo Legend Roy Cooper Perishes in House Fire at Just 69

Rodeo Legend Roy “The Super Looper” Cooper Dies in Texas House Fire at 68

Roy Cooper, known across the rodeo world as The Super Looper, tragically passed away Tuesday night after a fire engulfed his home in Decatur, Texas. Emergency services were called around 7 p.m. and arrived to find the one-story house fully in flames. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the exact cause of Cooper’s death.

His son, fellow champion roper Tuf Cooper, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post the next morning:

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

A Rodeo Career for the History Books

Roy Cooper’s name is etched into the legacy of professional rodeo. A dominant force from the moment he entered the sport, Cooper was named PRCA Rookie of the Year in 1976 and went on to capture seven world championship titles—six in tie-down roping and one in steer roping—along with the coveted all-around title.

His career was most prominent throughout the 1980s, culminating in his induction into the inaugural class of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. He remains one of only ten cowboys in history to earn rodeo’s elusive Triple Crown by winning three world titles in a single year.

Among Cooper’s most cherished accolades was his 1983 PRCA All-Around World Title. He famously wore the buckle from that win every day since—never taking it off, except, he once joked, if country superstar George Strait wanted to wear it.

“It’s the only one I wear. Since I won it, I’ve never taken it off,” Cooper told ProRodeo Sports News in 2023. “I’d give it to George Strait if he would wear it. He’s one of my very best friends.”

A Bond Beyond Rodeo: Roy Cooper and George Strait

Roy Cooper’s friendship with George Strait became the stuff of legend. The two first met after a rodeo event in Oklahoma City, when Strait’s manager brought Cooper onto the tour bus. There, the rodeo champion and the King of Country spent hours in conversation before Strait took the stage.

“He’s one of the best friends I could’ve ever had,” Cooper said of their enduring friendship.

Following Cooper’s passing, George Strait shared his grief in a heartfelt tribute:

“We lost our good friend and my hero Roy Cooper yesterday. He’s with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now. God be with the Cooper family and friends. We’ll miss you, amigo. I’ll come find you one day.”

Roy Cooper’s passing leaves a void not only in the world of rodeo but in the hearts of all who knew him—from fellow cowboys to country music legends. His legacy lives on through his children, his records, and the stories that continue to inspire generations of rodeo fans.

May he rest in peace.