In Loving Memory of Officer Austin Cooley 1999 – 2025
With hearts weighed down by grief and disbelief, the Kaufman community joins together to honor and remember Officer Austin Cooley, a dedicated public servant whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal vehicle accident earlier today. At just 26 years old, Officer Cooley had already made a remarkable impact—through his courage, his commitment, and his unwavering determination to protect and serve the people of Kaufman.
Officer Cooley was returning home after completing his shift, heading back to the quiet moments of rest that every officer earns after long hours on duty. Instead, heartbreak struck unexpectedly on the roads of Hunt County, Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to the scene near SH 34 and CR 2186, where their preliminary investigation revealed that a northbound vehicle crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with another. Officer Austin Cooley, the driver of the northbound vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The suddenness of this loss reverberates deeply—not only within the Kaufman Police Department, but throughout the entire community he faithfully served. His fellow officers mourn a colleague who stood beside them through the challenges and triumphs of daily policing. His community mourns an officer who greeted danger with courage, treated others with fairness, and carried himself with integrity every single day he put on the badge.
Those who knew Officer Cooley will remember his professionalism, his sense of duty, and the heart he poured into his work. Whether responding to calls, offering help to someone in need, or simply being a steady presence in the community, he embodied the very best qualities of a law enforcement officer. He served not for recognition, but for the quiet satisfaction of knowing he was making a difference.
While the investigation remains active and all questions are being directed to Texas DPS, the emotional reality is painfully clear: a bright young life has been taken far too soon, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled. This moment is a stark reminder of the risks our officers face, even beyond their shifts, and of the sacrifices made every day by those who commit themselves to public service.
As we grieve, we also honor. We honor the man behind the uniform—the youth, the aspirations, the warmth, the laughter, and the humanity that defined Austin far more than any badge or title could. We honor the relationships he cherished, the friendships he built, and the love he shared with family, colleagues, and friends. And we honor the legacy he leaves behind: one of bravery, compassion, and genuine dedication to duty.
To the Cooley family, to his friends, and to every member of the Kaufman Police Department: may you feel the strength and support of an entire community standing beside you. May you find comfort in the memories of Austin’s kindness, his service, and his remarkable spirit. And may you know that his sacrifice, his life, and his impact will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Officer Austin Cooley.
Your watch has ended, but your legacy continues—shining brightly in every life you touched and in every heart that now carries your memory forward.