Ace Patton Ashford’s girlfriend shares heartbreaking message for rodeo star, 18, after he died in freak accident
RODEO roper Ace Patton Ashford's girlfriend Sydney Boatright shared a touching tribute for him just one day after he died in a tragic accident.
Ashford was unexpectedly killed on August 12 while tending to a sick calf.
The tragedy occurred around 20 miles south of Waco in the Chilton, Texas area at 8 am.
A nearby horse was reportedly frightened by Ashford and the calf, according to NBC affiliate KPLCTV.
Police found the rodeo star breathing with head injuries and a beating pulse.
“Somehow, the man’s leg got tangled and the horse [dragged] him quite a distance in an open field,” the Lott Volunteer Fire Department said.
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He was then airlifted to a hospital but then died due to his serious injuries.
One day after the tragedy, his girlfriend posted a tribute to her boyfriend.
"I love you forever Ace Patton," she wrote under a picture of the two of them.
In the picture, the couple is hugging and staring into each other's eyes with Ashford's horse standing in the distance.
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Multiple individuals rushed to the heartfelt picture to send love Boatright's way.
"We love you Sydney," one person wrote, adding a heart emoji.
"Sending love and prayers to you sweet girl," said a second person, adding a heart emoji.
"So very sorry Sydney," a third person said, adding three praying emojis.
"We love you Sydney. I’m so sorry sweet girl," said a fourth.
"Love you so much," a fifth wrote, adding a heart emoji.
Ace Patton Ashford's obituary
Ace Patton Ashford, age 18, of Lott went to be with his Lord and savior during the morning hours of Monday, August 12, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital. Ace was born February 1st, 2006, in Temple to his parents Troy Wayne and Jamie Dawn (McLaughlin) Ashford.
Ace has lived in Lott his whole life, graduating from Rosebud-Lott High School, class of 2024. While in high school, Ace met his girlfriend, Sydney Boatright. The two would go on to spend three wonderful years together, going on dates, spending time together, and being inseparable. Ace loved the cowboy way of life and was the true definition of a hard-working country boy. Ace loved to rodeo and was known as the "Header" in Team Roping. Ace would dedicate innumerable hours to roping in order to reach his full potential. He was a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association. His hard work and dedication would help him to receive a scholarship to be a part of the Hill College Rodeo Team starting in the fall. Ace loved spending his time in the great outdoors hunting, rodeoing, or just hanging out with his buddies. Ace had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone he knew. Ace never met a stranger, and he had an old soul. He would stop at nothing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Ace attended Temple Bible Church and the Vista Community Church. Though his passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all, he will be reunited in the arms of angels and the Lord above.
Ace will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Ace left behind to cherish his memories his parents Troy and Jamie Ashford of Lott, sister Macy Ashford and fiancé Ryan Rule of Florida, brother Ross Ashford and wife Taylor of Stephenville, maternal grandmother Jo Alexander of Lott, maternal grandfather Richard McLaughlin and wife Susan of Oklahoma, paternal grandparents Steve and JoAnn Ashford of Belton, girlfriend Sydney Boatright of Liberty Hill, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. The times spent with him will forever be cherished in the hearts of those whose lives he touched by his kindness and love.
A funeral service for Ace will be held at Rosebud-Lott High School on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 10 o'clock a.m. with Pastor Trey Johnson officiating. The family will be accepting visitors at Rosebud-Lott High School on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Following the funeral service, Ace will be buried in Carolina Cemetery.
The pallbearers include Ross Ashford, Colton Ranly, Wyatt Jones, Wyatt Coker, Reese Broughton, Alvin Clarkson-Williams, Dalan Willberg, Jade Philipp, Ryan Rule, Logan Kleypas, and Pace Plemons. The honorary pallbearers include Cade Ranly, Preston Herring, Rankin Williams, Rider Keith, Will Smith, and Walker Smith.
In honor of Ace, a memorial scholarship fund has been created and donations can be given or mailed to Classic Bank in Rosebud.
Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.
Source: Hewett-Arney Funeral Home
The 18-year-old was fairly active on social media and shared multiple pictures of himself posing with his girlfriend and horse.
In his most recent profile picture, Ashford stands beside his girlfriend, Sydney Boatright.
The couple is standing in a grassy field while Ashford holds a leash connected to his horse who stands to the right of him.
Boatright is standing next to Ashford as a dog sits to her left.
RODEO SUPERSTAR
Ashford was an accomplished roper in Texas and was on the cusp of reaching a life-long dream this summer.
The 18-year-old was just weeks away from going to Hill College in the fall before the tragic incident.
Ashford had earned a scholarship to join the rodeo team this fall.
The young rodeo star had success in the sport throughout high school.
Ashford and his partner, Jade Philipp won the 2023 Riata Buckle #10.5 junior roping championship.
He also took home the championship at the 2024 Patriot #11.5 All Ages with heeler Ryder Davis.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY PAY TRIBUTE
The 18-year-old was born into an animal-loving family and both of his parents competed in the sport.
Ashford's older brother Ross made the National Finals Qualifier and is headed to Las Vegas to compete in December.
Multiple friends and family wrote on Ashford's obituary praising the type of individual he was.
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"Ace was one remarkable young man! He had such a kind, light-hearted spirit that made the sun shine brighter around him," one person wrote.
"Ace was an outstanding individual, polite, and ready for the future," another person said.
