Texas DPS confirmed that a head-on collision in Hunt County early Monday, December 8, claimed the life of a local first responder who served both the fire and law enforcement communities.
The crash happened near the intersection of State Highway 34 and County Road 2186, about a mile south of Greenville. Investigators say a 2013 Dodge Ram was heading south when a northbound 2005 Honda Accord crossed the center line and hit the truck head-on.
The driver of the Honda, 26-year-old Austin Cooley, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cooley lived in Wolfe City and served as Deputy Chief of South Hunt County Fire Rescue while also working as a Kaufman Police Officer. According to officials, he was driving home after completing his shift as an officer.
Texas DPS continues to investigate what caused the Honda to drift into the opposite lane and if fatigue was a factor.
The loss of Cooley has been felt deeply across multiple agencies. South Hunt County Fire Rescue shared a public statement honoring his service, describing him as a dedicated husband, father, firefighter, officer and leader who “worked tirelessly to serve the community and citizens of Hunt County and the City of Kaufman.” The department said his impact “will be felt long into the future” and asked the community to keep his family and fire family in their prayers.
The Kaufman Police Department also released a message mourning the death of a colleague they described as a trusted mentor and friend. “Above all, he was a devoted husband and father,” the statement read. “Thank you for your service, Officer Austin Cooley. We’ll take it from here.”
The Hunt County Sheriff’s Office noted Cooley’s years working as a detention officer from 2020 to 2023 and the many emergency calls deputies handled alongside him through South Hunt County Fire Rescue. The agency extended condolences to his family, friends and coworkers, calling his passing a significant loss for the local public safety community.
The investigation into the crash remains open.
