On Sunday, the University of Wyoming rodeo community lost longtime coach George Howard to a gunshot wound, according to the Converse County Sheriff's Office. Howard was 59 years old. University president Lauri Nichols released the following statement about Howard's passing:

The UW community is saddened to learn of the death of coach Howard. He touched the lives of many cowgirls and cowboys during his 20 years as the coach of our rodeo program, and we appreciate the leadership he provided for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends, including our rodeo student-athletes, past and present.

During his tenure at Wyoming, Howard coached a number of College National Finals Rodeo champions as well as successful team campaigns, including two national championships for the women (2007, 2009) and a runner-up finish for the men (2003). 

On Friday afternoon, police received a call about a gunshot wound and first responders reached Howard in an area southwest of Douglas, Wyoming. According to Seth Klamann's report in the Casper Star-Tribune, Howard was first taken to the Converse County Memorial Hospital before being transferred to Wyoming Medical Center, where he eventually passed away on Sunday.

The investigation into Howard's death is ongoing.