PRCA saddened by LeDoux's Death

COLORADO SPRINGS , Colo. – TMarch 9, 2005 - ProRodeo lost one of its best-known supporters and competitors today with the death of Chris LeDoux, the 1976 world bareback riding champion who went on to have a successful country-Western singing career. LeDoux, 56, of Kaycee, Wyo., passed away at the Casper Medical Center. He had checked into the hospital earlier this week following complications from ongoing treatment for cancer of the bile duct, and was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death.

"On behalf of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and its members, I want to express my condolences to Chris' family," said Troy Ellerman, commissioner of the PRCA. "Chris was not only one of our top cowboys, but he also has brought awareness of rodeo to millions of his fans across the country and has been a dedicated supporter of the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which provides financial assistance to injured cowboys.

"Chris was a fine man, with a big heart. He fought a valiant fight against his cancer, and we appreciate all of the things he was and that he did for rodeo. He will be sorely missed."

LeDoux, who was born Oct. 2, 1948, got his start in junior rodeo. He joined the PRCA in 1968 and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo five times. The Biloxi, Miss., native won bareback riding at the National Finals Rodeo in 1976 to earn the title of world champion. He retired from rodeo in 1980. LeDoux began recording songs in the early 1970s and went on to national stardom with such songs as A Cowboy Like Me, Too Tough to Die and What More Could a Cowboy Need? LeDoux was mentioned in Too Young to Feel so Damn Old by Garth Brooks, with whom LeDoux toured. He was inducted into the Old West Museum Hall of Fame in 2003.