Beautiful Loss: Ace Patton Ashford, 18, Dies in Freak Accident Weeks Before Fulfilling Lifelong Dream
In a tragic incident, 18-year-old Ace Patton Ashford, a skilled rodeo roper from Texas, lost his life in a freak accident just weeks before reaching a significant milestone in his life. The heartbreaking event occurred on August 12 in Chilton, Texas, about 20 miles south of Waco.
Ace was assisting a sick calf when a nearby horse became spooked, leading to a devastating chain of events. The horse accidentally entangled Ace’s leg and dragged him across an open field. Despite being found alive with severe head injuries, Ace’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Ace was on the brink of fulfilling his lifelong dream, preparing to start college at Hill College after recently graduating from Rosebud-Lott High School. His passion for rodeo and the Western lifestyle was well-known, and his obituary highlighted his dedication to honing his roping skills, his love for the outdoors, and his warm personality.
Born into a family of rodeo enthusiasts, Ace was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. Tributes poured in, reflecting on his kindness, humor, and bright future. His girlfriend, Sharon Boatright, also shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her eternal love for Ace.
Ace’s untimely death has left a void in the lives of his loved ones, and he will be remembered as a bright and promising young man who touched the hearts of all who knew him.