A freshman at Tusculum University, Payton Cook, passed away in a tragic car crash on Friday evening, December 5, 2025, at the young age of 19.
Payton Cook is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Jen Cook, his two siblings, and his extended family.
Reportedly, the accident occurred near the Tusculum University campus in Greeneville, Tennessee, on Old Tusculum Road, at around 6 p.m.
An 18-year-old teammate, Hagan Windsor from West Virginia, was driving a 2018 Honda Pilot.
Reportedly, four other Tusculum students rode with them: Payton sat in the front passenger seat, and Brandon Newsom, Jordan York, and Nathan Desouza sat in the back.
The car was going uphill around a left curve when it drifted onto the right side of the road. It traveled about 80 feet through the grass and hit a tree hard on the passenger side.
Payton suffered severe injuries and passed away. Whereas the four others were hurt, but doctors say their injuries aren’t life-threatening.
Meanwhile, the other are in the hospital getting treatment. The Tennessee Highway Patrol revealed all five young men were wearing their seatbelts.
Hagan Windsor, the driver, who also suffered injuries, was charged with driving on roadways laned for traffic.
Originally from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, Payton was a freshman at Tusculum University. He played on the men’s lacrosse team and studied business administration.
He had come a long way from Canada to play lacrosse and attended Tusculum. His coach from Tusculum, Mike Brisbin, called him a “gentle giant” who always had a big smile.
Back home, Payton grew up playing for the Sherwood Park Titans and later played junior lacrosse with the Beaumont Outlaws and Edmonton Miners.
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The Titans posted that even people who never met Payton felt like they knew him because everyone spoke so warmly about him.
Payton loved the outdoors and collected Pokémon cards.
He had only just started his first college lacrosse season and his classes, but he already felt like part of the Tusculum family. Sadly, his dreams were cut short by the tragic accident.
Meanwhile, Payton’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches in both Canada and Tennessee are grieving together.
Reportedly, on Monday, December 8, at 5 p.m., Tusculum will hold a memorial service for Payton in Pioneer Arena, where the entire community is invited to come and remember him.
Rest in peace, Payton Cook. You were loved by so many, and you will never be forgotten!
