Ace Patton Ashford, an 18-year-old rodeo roper,

tragically passed away on August 12 after a freak accident near Chilton, Texas .

While helping a sick cow, Ashford’s leg got caught,

causing him to be dragged by a frightened horse across an open field.

Though he was found with head injuries and was alive when first responders arrived,

Ashford later died at the hospital.

Ashford was a talented roper,

just weeks away from starting college at Hill College after

recently graduating from Rosebud-Lott High School.

His obituary noted, “Ace would dedicate innumerable

hours to roping in order to reach his full potential,”

and described him as someone who loved the outdoors,

rodeoing, and spending time with friends….