Roy Cooper, a name synonymous with grit, tradition, and American rodeo greatness, tragically passed away this week at the age of 69. Known across the country as the “Super Looper,” Cooper was killed in a house fire on his property in Decatur, Texas, on Tuesday — a devastating loss for both his family and the rodeo world at large.
Cooper wasn’t just a cowboy — he *was* the cowboy. At a time when so much of American culture is drifting away from its roots, Roy Cooper stood tall as a living symbol of hard work, faith, and the unshakable Western spirit. His rise began in 1976, when he burst onto the national stage by winning a world championship at his very first National Finals Rodeo. Just three years later, he was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame — a testament to his unmatched talent and work ethic.
His nickname, the “Super Looper,” wasn’t just for show. Cooper would go on to win eight world titles and make rodeo history as the first roper to earn over $2 million in ProRodeo earnings by the year 2000 — a feat that proved cowboy grit and determination could still lead to success in an increasingly commercialized world.
But for Roy Cooper, it wasn’t just about the titles or the money. Rodeo was in his blood. A third-generation cowboy, Cooper grew up in the wide-open country of New Mexico, raised by parents who were both ropers themselves. His mother was born on a ranch — a life of dirt, cattle, sweat, and honor. Cooper carried that legacy into every arena he stepped into and passed it down to his children, including his son Tuf, who followed in his father’s bootsteps and became a rodeo champion in his own right.
The loss was felt deeply across the cowboy community. “We’re all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy,” Tuf wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post announcing his father’s passing.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the rodeo world. “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Roy Cooper,” said Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Famer Andra Estes Beatty. “He inspired generations of cowboys, and his legacy lives on.” The Texas Department of Agriculture also issued a statement mourning the loss, with Commissioner Sid Miller and his wife Debra lifting the Cooper family in prayer.
Professional Bull Riding CEO Sean Gleason added, “When anyone referenced the ‘Super Looper,’ every rodeo fan knew exactly who you were talking about.”
In a time when America is often losing touch with its heritage, Roy Cooper was a steadfast reminder of what this country was built on: strong families, honest work, and a connection to the land. His death is more than a loss to the rodeo world — it’s the end of a chapter in the story of America’s proud cowboy culture.
Rest in peace, Super Looper. You’ve earned your ride into the sunset.
