The Tragic Final Ride Of 'Super Looper': 8 Facts About Rodeo Legend Roy Cooper's Life, Legacy, And Sudden Death

The world of professional rodeo is mourning the loss of one of its most revolutionary and dominant figures, Roy Cooper, who tragically passed away in April 2025. Known universally as "Super Looper," Cooper transcended his sport, setting records that stood for decades and inspiring a dynasty of championship ropers. His life was a testament to skill, grit, and an unparalleled passion for the cowboy way of life, earning him a permanent place in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

The shock of his sudden passing in a devastating house fire at his Texas home has sent ripples through the Western world, reminding fans of the fragility of life even for the greatest legends. This article looks back at the incredible career of the eight-time World Champion and provides the most current details regarding his final days and enduring legacy.

Roy Cooper: A Legendary Cowboy's Biography and Profile

Roy Dale Cooper was not just a champion; he was a rodeo institution. Born into a family steeped in the Western tradition, his journey from a New Mexico ranch to the pinnacle of professional rodeo is one for the history books. His family and career profile is a blueprint for success in the arena.

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• Full Name: Roy Dale Cooper
• Nickname: "Super Looper"
• Born: November 13, 1955
• Died: April 29, 2025 (Age 69)
• Hometown/Birthplace: Hobbs, New Mexico
• Place of Death: Decatur, Texas (House Fire)
• Parents: Dale "Tuffy" Cooper and Betty Cooper
• Spouse: Kristin Cooper (Former First Lady of North Carolina, though this may be a confusion with the politician Roy Cooper. The rodeo legend's wife's name is not consistently mentioned in the search results, but his children are.)
• Children: Tuf Cooper, Clint Cooper, Clif Cooper, Hilary, Natalie, and Christopher (Note: Tuf, Clint, and Clif are his professional roping sons)
• PRCA World Championships: 8 Total (6 Tie-down Roping, 1 Steer Roping, 1 All-Around)
• Notable Honors: ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Hall of Fame.

The Eight Gold Buckles: Roy Cooper's Unmatched Dominance

Roy Cooper’s professional career began with a bang, and he quickly established himself as the greatest roper of his generation. His technique in the tie-down roping event was revolutionary, utilizing a faster, more aggressive style that earned him the moniker "Super Looper."

The Rookie Sensation and the All-Around Title

Cooper burst onto the scene in 1976, winning the World Tie-Down Roping Championship and the Resistol Rookie of the Year title in his first full year of competition. This immediate success foreshadowed a career of unparalleled dominance. He would go on to win six Tie-down Roping World Championships in total (1976, 1980–1984), a feat only surpassed by the legendary Dean Oliver.

His peak year was undoubtedly 1983. In a single season, Cooper accomplished a rare triple crown, capturing the World Champion Tie-down Roping title, the World Champion Steer Roping title, and the coveted PRCA All-Around Cowboy World Championship. This achievement cemented his status as a true all-around cowboy and one of the sport's most versatile athletes. That same year, he broke the record for yearly prize winnings, accumulating over $153,000.

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Innovator of the Tie-Down Roping Event

Cooper is credited with permanently changing the face of tie-down roping. Before him, the event was often a more cautious affair. Cooper introduced a high-risk, high-reward strategy, riding faster and throwing his loop sooner. This aggressive approach, which demanded flawless coordination between man and horse, became the new standard for all future competitors. His influence can still be seen in the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) arena today, where speed and precision are paramount.

A Legacy Forged in Fire: The Cooper Rodeo Dynasty

While his own achievements are monumental, Roy Cooper’s most enduring legacy is the rodeo dynasty he created. His sons followed in his footsteps, ensuring the Cooper name remained at the forefront of the sport.

The Three Sons: Tuf, Clint, and Clif

Roy Cooper’s three sons, Tuf, Clint, and Clif, all became professional ropers, carrying on the family tradition with distinction. The most famous of the three, Tuf Cooper, has himself become a multi-time World Champion, proving that the "Super Looper" genetics and tutelage were exceptional. The family achieved a historic milestone when all three sons—Tuf, Clint, and Clif—qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in the same year (2010), a testament to the family's unparalleled commitment to the sport.

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This generational success is a powerful entity in the rodeo world, making the Cooper family one of the most decorated and respected in the history of the PRCA. The father's legacy is not just in the gold buckles he won, but in the champions he raised.

Tragedy in Texas: Remembering Roy Cooper

The rodeo community was plunged into deep sorrow with the news of Roy Cooper’s passing on April 29, 2025. The eight-time champion died in a devastating house fire at his home near Decatur, Texas.

The Sudden Loss and Tributes

The death of the 69-year-old legend was ruled an accident following an investigation by the Texas Rangers. The news prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from across the Western sports world, a testament to the profound respect he commanded both in and out of the arena.

Fellow cowboys, Hall of Famers, and fans offered heartfelt condolences, remembering him not just for his incredible skill but for his character. Tributes highlighted that "Roy wasn't just a legend in the arena—he was a legend in life." His passing marks the end of an era for one of the greatest cowboys to ever compete in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). His memorial service, held in May 2025, was a celebration of a life lived fully and fiercely, honoring the man who overcame severe asthma as a child to become an icon.

The Enduring Entities of His Career

Roy Cooper's career is a rich tapestry of records and milestones, solidifying his place among rodeo's elite. His impact can be summarized through the major entities he influenced and the awards he collected:

• PRCA: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (The governing body of his sport)
• NFR: National Finals Rodeo (The Super Bowl of Rodeo, which he dominated)
• Tie-Down Roping: His signature event, where he won six World Championships.
• Steer Roping: The event he won to secure his All-Around title in 1983.
• All-Around Champion Cowboy: The most prestigious title in rodeo, which he won in 1983.
• Resistol Rookie of the Year: His first major professional honor.
• ProRodeo Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1992.
• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Home to the National Rodeo Hall of Fame.
• Cheyenne Frontier Days: One of the major rodeos he competed in and won.
• Buffalo Bill Rodeo: Another major event win in North Platte, NE.
• Dean Oliver: The only other roper to surpass his Tie-down Roping title count.

Roy Cooper's journey is a powerful reminder that true legends never fade. Though the "Super Looper" has taken his final ride, his records, his family’s dynasty, and his revolutionary style will continue to shape the sport of rodeo for generations to come.