A cold North Texas morning turned tragic when 26-year-old Austin Cooley — a police officer with the Kaufman Police Department and deputy chief of South Hunt County Fire Rescue — lost his life in a head-on collision just outside Greenville early Monday. Cooley was returning home after his shift when his car veered into oncoming traffic and slammed into a pickup truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the crash occurred near the crossroad of State Highway 34 and County Road 2186 — roughly one mile south of Greenville. Cooley was driving north in a 2005 Honda Accord when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a southbound 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Witnesses from emergency services converged quickly, but there was nothing that could be done: Cooley was pronounced dead on the spot. The other driver’s condition hasn’t been publicly disclosed.
For those who knew him, the loss hits hard. In a message shared on social media, the Kaufman Police Department remembered Cooley as more than an officer. He was described as a mentor to new officers, a trusted colleague, and above all, a devoted husband and father. His departure has left a void in both the law enforcement and firefighting communities he served.
His dual role as a law-enforcement officer by night and a fire-rescue leader by day underscored his dedication to public service. Colleagues said he worked “tirelessly to serve” the citizens of Hunt County and Kaufman, and that he leaves behind a newborn daughter, a wife, and many grieving coworkers.
As investigators from Texas DPS continue probing the crash — looking into factors like road conditions, vehicle position, and possible causes — the community has rallied. Many have sent condolences, shared memories, and urged support for Cooley’s family and fellow officers during this painful time.
The death of Officer Cooley serves as a sharp reminder of the risks first-responders face — not only on duty, but even during everyday moments like driving home. For South Hunt County and beyond, his loss is deeply personal and painfully real.
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