A 16-year-old Washington Catholic School student and athlete, Cooper Schuckman, passed away in a tragic auto repair accident on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Cooper Schuckman took his last breath in a freak automotive incident that has left his family, friends, and community in grief.
According to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, the heartwrenching incident occurred at a residence located at 2094 W 300 N in Washington, Indiana.
At approximately 9:11 p.m., Daviess County Central Dispatch received a distressing call reporting that a male was pinned under a vehicle that had fallen off its jacks.
Deputies and first responders arrived to find Cooper trapped beneath a full-size Ford F-350 truck. A nearby forklift was used to lift the vehicle and free him, but despite the rapid response, Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Cooper and a friend were working on the truck, which was elevated using two air jacks on blocks and one floor jack.
While attempting to remove a part, the vehicle’s weight shifted, causing it to collapse onto Cooper.
The Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Daviess County Ambulance Service, and the Daviess County Coroner’s Office, continues to investigate but has classified the incident as a tragic accident.
Cooper Schuckman is survived by his parents, Gene and Kallie Schuckman, and his elder sister, Kyra Schuckman.
His father, Gene Schuckman, is a respected figure in the local athletic community, having coached the Washington Catholic boys’ basketball team.
Whereas his mother, Kallie, works as a crop agent at Williamson Insurance Agency and a Crop Insurance Agent at NAU Country Insurance Company. She studied Agronomy at Western Kentucky University.
His sister, Kyra, a talented basketball player at Washington Catholic High School, has established a reputation as a standout athlete.
Kyra took to her Instagram to share a lengthy eulogy and an emotional message expressing deep love, loss, and cherished memories.
She wrote:
dear cooper,
Kyra Schuckman
my absolute best friend. i don’t understand why God had to take you from me, but i will forever cherish the memories he blessed me with.
my life will never be the same but i’ll never forget the amazing childhood i had with you as my little brother. thank you for being my best friend and biggest supporter. i love you forever buddy. i’ll always be your big sister❤️🩹🕊
Standing at 5’8” and weighing 135 pounds, she plays as a shooting guard for the Washington Community Schools’ varsity team, proudly wearing jersey #24.
In her junior year (2024), Kyra helped lead the team to an impressive 23-3 record, including a perfect 12-0 conference record, securing both sectional and conference championships.
She also played a pivotal role in her sophomore year (2023), contributing to a 22-5 record and a second-place conference finish.
As a starter on the junior varsity team in 2024, wearing jersey #15, she averaged 10 points per game with a season-high of 23 points, showcasing her scoring ability.
Beyond high school, Kyra competes with the DistinXion club team under coach Luke Zeller, further honing her skills as a versatile guard.
Additionally, Kyra has excelled in softball, playing two years on the varsity team, demonstrating her multi-sport talent.
Cooper Schuckman, a Basketball Player, Wanted to be a Farmer!
As a rising star in the Boys Hatchet Hoops Association, Cooper was admired not only for his skills on the court but also for his leadership.
Cooper said that he wanted to own and operate a farm of over 2000 acres. He also wanted to become a mechanic and work in carpentry.
Above all, his dream job was to be a farmer and go to Purdue University.
Cooper’s death has deeply shaken the close community, with heartfelt messages coming from his teammates, coaches, and friends.
Jenna Bedwell, who cared for Cooper and his sister as their babysitter, also expressed her sorrow over the heartbreaking loss, stating:
Cooper, you were truly one of a kind. Your love for all things farming, your genuine kindness to everyone you met and your amazing ability to make us all laugh are things we’ll never forget. Jake and I were so blessed to be you and Kyra’s babysitters. The countless hours spent “farming” in the floor or playing board games are memories we’ll always cherish. Sending all our love and prayers to the Schuckman family. We hope you’re farming the fields of heaven now, big guy. 💔🙏🏻
Jenna Bedwell
Washington Catholic Schools released a heartfelt statement mourning Cooper’s passing:
Our Hatchet boys, the community, and everyone who had the opportunity to know Cooper has been struck with the devastating reality of moving forward without him here as a teammate, friend, son, brother, and so much more. We ask for prayers for our players, coaching staff, school community, and above all, the Schuckman family!
Nearby communities have also expressed their condolences. A post from Barr-Reeve High School reflected the shared grief, “Heartbroken to hear the news this morning about a young student-athlete from Washington. No words seem adequate. We extend our condolences to the Schuckman family and the entire Washington community. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.“
So far, the details surrounding Schuckman’s funeral services remain unknown as his family grieves in private.
During this ordeal, we offer our sincere condolences to Cooper Schuckman’s parents, sister, friends, teammates, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Cooper Schuckman!
