DECATUR, TX — Authorities are investigating a house fire that reportedly claimed the life of rodeo legend Roy Cooper, 69, on Tuesday night.
According to local reports, the blaze broke out at around 7:08 p.m. on April 29 at Cooper’s home in the 600 block of County Road 3051 near Decatur. When fire crews arrived, the home was already fully engulfed. Multiple departments worked together to keep the flames from spreading to nearby structures.
Known as “The Greatest of All Time” and an icon in the world of rodeo, Cooper’s career spanned decades. A Hall of Fame cowboy, Cooper won eight world championships, including the coveted all-around title in 1983, the same year he captured a rare Rodeo Triple Crown with wins in three major categories.
He claimed six tie-down roping championships, a steer roping title, and was named PRCA Rookie of the Year in 1976.
He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
Cooper’s roping speed was renowned and could tie a calf in just eight seconds, Sports Illustrated reported.
He is survived by his wife and three children, all of whom have followed in his rodeo footsteps.
Officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
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