Cooper Johnson, who played tennis at Hamline University, tragically died at 19.
Cooper Johnson was a first-year men’s tennis player at Hamline University, where he was pursuing a double major in history and political science.
A graduate of O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he led the boys’ tennis team to a Northern Section title.
He also served as manager of the girls’ tennis squad and was active in both the National Honor Society and the Student Council.
Cooper paced Hamline in overall singles victories with a 12-7 record, mainly from the No. 3 position. He also saw time at the No. 2 and No. 4 singles positions.
He also led the Pipers in doubles victories with a 12-7 record across three partners, primarily at No. 3.
Cooper Johnson Tragically Passed Away At The Age Of 19
According to reports, Cooper Johnson passed away in June 2025 at the age of 19. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Kate Barnes, a graduate of Woonsocket High School, took to her official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. She wrote,
The OG Tennis Team and Tennis community lost one of the best of the best ever!!! Cooper Johnson (Coop) 💙🎾💙 In all our coaching years we have never seen a player move from the last on the team #24 and rise all the way to the top!!!! This does not happen without hard work… dedication … determination… Instructions by professionals…Grandpa Jim support and of course the love of the game of Tennis…. Sending love and prayers to his parents, grandparents , siblings, relatives, high school and college teammates, coaches and his hundreds and perhaps thousands of friends…. We love you and miss you Coop! Coach Katie Coach Don
Kate Barnes
National Signing Day. Couldn't be prouder of our guy @Cooper_SD1 . Didn't get the gift of athleticism from his parents. Started playing tennis later than most. But worked harder for this than anyone. Hamline Tennis LFG pic.twitter.com/6WYN6QPb5A
— Brendan Johnson (@Brendan_SD) February 7, 2024
A Sioux Falls, South Dakota resident, Rima Marcho Mohama, also offered her heartfelt condolences and sent a prayer to Cooper’s family by stating,
Heartbreaking news of an incredible, talented young man he will be dearly missed! Prayers and hugs to his family and friends , to our children who loved him and will miss him so much🙏🏻🙏🏻 Rest in peace dear cooper🙏🏻
Rima Marcho Mohama
O’Gorman Catholic High School graduate Tanya Manning also took to her Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Cooper Johnson. She wrote,
Heart breaking !!! So sad, many hugs to family and friends, prayers to you all during this very difficult time!
Tanya Manning
A teacher and coach at O’Gorman Catholic High School, Kent Kolsrud, also mourned Cooper’s loss by stating,
So sad. Wonderful young man with a great sense of humor. Many thoughts & prayers!
Kent Kolsrud
Other close relatives and family members have also extended their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Cooper’s family, encouraging them to stay strong during this challenging moment.
Cooper will always be remembered for his unforgettable contribution as a tennis player at Hamline University.
His family will soon reveal the funeral service schedule. Rest in Heaven, Cooper Johnson.
Cooper Johnson’s Parents Are Mourning The Tragic Loss Of Their Son
Cooper Johnson was born to his father, Brendan Johnson, and his mother, Jana Beddow Johnson.
As per the source, his father, Brendan, is an American attorney who served as the 40th United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota.
Brendan is the son of former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson. He is currently a partner of Robins Kaplan LLP, where he serves as the Chair of the Firm’s National Business Litigation Group and a Member of the Firm’s Executive Board.
In 2024, he was recognized as one of America’s Top 200 Lawyers for his litigation work and representation of Native American tribes.
On the other hand, his mother, Dr. Jana Beddow Johnson, is a graduate of Mayo Medical School and served as chief resident of the Harvard dermatology program.
Currently, Brendan and Jana are mourning the tragic death of their son, Cooper Johnson.
As per the source, Cooper has three siblings: Tim, Penn, and Sutton Johnson.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2014, Cooper’s father, Brendan, received Shared Hope International’s Pathbreaker Award for determined leadership in combating child sex trafficking.
- President Barack Obama nominated Brendan Johnson as the 40th United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota and was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on October 15, 2009.
