Recently, an 18-year-old Texas rodeo star was fatally injured when he was dragged by a horse when caring for a sick calf. According to reports, Ace Patton Ashford accidentally got his leg stuck and was pulled through an open field by the horse for a substantial distance. Ashford was known as a rising rodeo star in the Lone Star state and was set to begin college.
The teen had just graduated from Rosebud-Lott High School this past spring and had earned a rodeo scholarship to Hill College. “Somehow, the man’s leg got tangled and the horse [dragged] him quite a distance in an open field,” the Lott VFD stated. The Falls County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Ashford’s death, writing, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ace Ashford. Our condolences go out to his family.”
Ace was a beloved member of his community, receiving an outpouring of praise from those honoring his memory. “I love you forever ace Patton,” said his girlfriend, Sydney Boatright, sharing a photo of the two of them. The rodeo star’s mother, Jamie Ashford, also posted on Facebook, “I miss you so much Ace! I love you more!”
Ashford’s obituary read, “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.”
The teen was an accomplished rodeo competitor with numerous accolades to his name. “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,” the obituary added.
“Ace had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone he knew,” the obituary continued, recounting his strong character. “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.”
Rodeo flagger Marcus Becerra explained that Ashford was “who you want your son to grow up to be. That’s why it hurt quite a bit. Everybody knows how good a kid he was, how cordial he was, how respectful he was. He was good with horses, he had manners and he was a real great kid. Flagging, you meet these kids when they’re young, and you get to know them. You see from the time they’re little, and you get to watch them win and you pull for them.”
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