‘He inspired generations’: Rodeo legend Roy Cooper Dies in North Texas house fire

Roy Cooper, the legendary rodeo cowboy renowned as the “Super Looper,” tragically died in a fire on Tuesday night, April 29, 2025, at his house in Decatur, Texas. He was 69 years old. The fire, reported at 7:08 p.m., engulfed Cooper’s home. 

Cooper’s son, four-time world champion roper Tuf Cooper, confirmed the devastating news that Roy had died on Facebook: “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 at the moment.” The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Roy Cooper”

Born November 13, 1955, in Hobbs, New Mexico, Roy Dale Cooper overcame childhood asthma to become one of the most dominant ropers in rodeo history. He earned the nickname “Super Looper” for his exceptional tie-down roping skills. In 1976, his rookie year, Cooper won the PRCA Rookie of the Year and his first tie-down roping world championship.

Throughout his illustrious career, Cooper amassed eight world championships and achieved the rare Rodeo Triple Crown, winning titles in tie-down roping, steer roping, and all-around categories. ​

Cooper’s influence extended beyond his achievements. He mentored his three sons—Clint, Clif, and Tuf—who all became professional rodeo competitors. In 2010, the trio made history by qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in the same event, marking the first time three brothers achieved this feat.

After Cooper died, Andra Estes Beatty, a 2020 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee, said, “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Roy Cooper, an eight-time world champion calf roper and a true legend in the arena. He inspired generations of cowboys and his legacy lives on.  Praying for comfort and peace for his family during this time.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cooper family after the tragic accident that took place tonight,” an Oklahoma rodeo group said in a statement, according to The U.S. Sun. “The rodeo world will forever mourn the loss of Roy,” the group added.

“I really have no regrets”

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

— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) April 30, 2025

Fans and peers alike remember Cooper not only for his unparalleled skill but also for his humility and dedication to family. In a February 2025 “Let’s Freakin Rodeo” podcast interview, Cooper said, “You get my age, man, all you got is memories, old memories. I don’t want to look back when I’m 65 years old and say I wished I had done that… I really have no regrets.”