Rodeo roper Ace Patton Ashford, 18, dies in freak accident with horse weeks before he was set to fulfill life-long dream

A YOUNG rodeo roper died weeks before he was set to hit a major milestone following a freak horse accident.

Ace Patton Ashford, 18, was unexpectedly killed on August 12 when he was helping a sick calf.

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Andersen CbarC Photos

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The tragic incident happened in the Chilton, Texas area, around 20 miles south of Waco, around 8 am.

Disaster struck when a nearby horse reportedly got spooked by Ashford and the calf, according to NBC affiliate KPLCTV .

“Somehow, the man’s leg got tangled and the horse [dragged] him quite a distance in an open field,” the Lott Volunteer Fire Department said.

Ashford was found with head injuries but had a beating pulse and was breathing.

He was then airlifted to a hospital but then died due to his serious injuries.

First responders said Ashford was in “bad shape” when they found him.

Ashford was an accomplished roper in Texas and was on the cusp of reaching a life-long dream this summer.

The 18-year-old was just weeks away from starting college before the tragic incident.

He had recently graduated from Rosebud-Lott High School and was due to join Hill College in the fall.

His love for rodeo and Western life was highlighted in his obituary .

“Ace would dedicate innumerable hours to roping in order to reach his full potential,” the obituary wrote.

“Ace loved spending his time in the great outdoors hunting, rodeoing, or just hanging out with his buddies,” this obituary added.

“Ace had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone he knew.

“Ace never met a stranger, and he had an old soul.”

Emotional tributes for the 18-year-old filled the obituary site.

Ace had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone he knew.”

Ace Patton Ashford's obituary

“Ace was one remarkable young man! He had such a kind, light hearted spirit that made the sun shine brighter around him,” one person wrote.

“Ace was an outstanding individual, polite, and ready for the future,” another person said.

RODEO LIFE

Ashford was born into an animal-loving family as his parents had competed in the rodeo arena, according to Sports Illustrated .

His older brother Ross had also competed and made the National Finals Qualifier.

Ashford’s girlfriend Sydney Boatright also left a small tribute to him on Facebook.

“I love you forever ace patton,” she wrote under a picture of the two of them.

Ace Patton Ashford's obituary

Ace Patton Ashford, age 18, of Lott went to be with his Lord and savior during the morning hours of Monday, August 12, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital. Ace was born February 1st, 2006, in Temple to his parents Troy Wayne and Jamie Dawn (McLaughlin) Ashford.

Ace has lived in Lott his whole life, graduating from Rosebud-Lott High School, class of 2024. While in high school, Ace met his girlfriend, Sydney Boatright. The two would go on to spend three wonderful years together, going on dates, spending time together, and being inseparable. Ace loved the cowboy way of life and was the true definition of a hard-working country boy. Ace loved to rodeo and was known as the “Header” in Team Roping. Ace would dedicate innumerable hours to roping in order to reach his full potential. He was a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association. His hard work and dedication would help him to receive a scholarship to be a part of the Hill College Rodeo Team starting in the fall. Ace loved spending his time in the great outdoors hunting, rodeoing, or just hanging out with his buddies. Ace had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone he knew. Ace never met a stranger, and he had an old soul. He would stop at nothing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Ace attended Temple Bible Church and the Vista Community Church. Though his passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all, he will be reunited in the arms of angels and the Lord above.

Ace will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Ace left behind to cherish his memories his parents Troy and Jamie Ashford of Lott, sister Macy Ashford and fiancé Ryan Rule of Florida, brother Ross Ashford and wife Taylor of Stephenville, maternal grandmother Jo Alexander of Lott, maternal grandfather Richard McLaughlin and wife Susan of Oklahoma, paternal grandparents Steve and JoAnn Ashford of Belton, girlfriend Sydney Boatright of Liberty Hill, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. The times spent with him will forever be cherished in the hearts of those whose lives he touched by his kindness and love.

A funeral service for Ace will be held at Rosebud-Lott High School on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 10 o’clock a.m. with Pastor Trey Johnson officiating. The family will be accepting visitors at Rosebud-Lott High School on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Following the funeral service, Ace will be buried in Carolina Cemetery.

The pallbearers include Ross Ashford, Colton Ranly, Wyatt Jones, Wyatt Coker, Reese Broughton, Alvin Clarkson-Williams, Dalan Willberg, Jade Philipp, Ryan Rule, Logan Kleypas, and Pace Plemons. The honorary pallbearers include Cade Ranly, Preston Herring, Rankin Williams, Rider Keith, Will Smith, and Walker Smith.

In honor of Ace, a memorial scholarship fund has been created and donations can be given or mailed to Classic Bank in Rosebud.

Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.

Source: Hewett-Arney Funeral Home

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