A North Texas police officer and deputy fire chief was killed in a head-on collision while driving home from his night shift on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, leaving behind a wife and 3-month-old daughter. Austin Cooley, 26, of Wolfe City, died at the scene of the crash that occurred around 8:30 a.m. on State Highway 34 near County Road 2186, approximately one mile south of Greenville in Hunt County.
According to the Texas DPS, Cooley was driving north in his 2005 Honda Accord when his vehicle crossed into the oncoming traffic lane and collided head-on with a 2013 Dodge Ram pickup traveling southbound. Cooley was still wearing his Kaufman Police Department uniform as he returned home after working the overnight shift.
The circumstances surrounding why Cooley’s vehicle veered into oncoming traffic remain under investigation by Texas DPS. Authorities have not released information about the condition of the other driver involved in the collision. The crash occurred along a stretch of highway that runs through Cooley’s fire district, an area he drove regularly between his home and work.
Cooley had joined the Kaufman Police Department in May 2025, making him a relatively new member of the force. Despite his short tenure, colleagues described him as a mentor to newer officers and a valued member of the department. He previously served as a Hunt County detention officer from 2020 to 2023 before transitioning to his dual roles in law enforcement and fire services.
In addition to his police work, Cooley served as deputy chief for South Hunt County Fire-Rescue, where he had built strong relationships with his fellow firefighters. Chief Ryan Biggers said a crew from his department responded to the crash call at approximately 8:30 a.m., unaware they were heading to an incident involving one of their own. The realization came only after they arrived at the scene.
“We realized who it was on scene. I saw the patch and then I saw his nametag,” Captain Tyler Ferrick with South Hunt County Fire-Rescue said. The identification was made through Cooley’s Kaufman police uniform, which he was still wearing from his night shift.
The loss hit particularly hard for the fire department members who responded to the scene. Assistant Chief Robert Stagg described it as a significant loss for the department. Dylan Seabolt, also with South Hunt County Fire-Rescue, acknowledged the lasting impact of the experience.
The Kaufman Police Department placed a police cruiser outside its headquarters as a tribute to the fallen officer. The department released a statement expressing the depth of their loss and highlighting Cooley’s character both on and off duty. The statement emphasized his role as a caring mentor to new officers, a trusted colleague, and a devoted husband and father.
Chief Biggers noted that Cooley took particular pride in his role as a father to his infant daughter. “New father, baby girl, 3 months old,” Biggers said. “Our hearts are hurting, and they’ll be hurting for a while.” The baby had been born just three months before the fatal crash, making Cooley’s death especially difficult for his family and colleagues who had celebrated the recent arrival with him.
South Hunt County Fire Rescue posted a tribute on social media describing Cooley as an amazing husband, father, officer, firefighter, and leader. The post acknowledged his tireless work serving the communities of Hunt County and the City of Kaufman, noting that the impact he made would be felt long into the future. Seabolt remarked on how hard Cooley had worked to reach his position in both departments.
The collision represents a significant loss for multiple North Texas public safety agencies. Cooley’s dual roles meant he touched many lives across different communities in his service. His colleagues described him as a leader who demonstrated dedication to public service through his commitment to both law enforcement and fire rescue operations.
Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the combined force of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. The impact typically affects the front portions of both vehicles where drivers and front-seat passengers sit, making these crashes particularly dangerous. Wrong-way crashes, while less common than other types of collisions, account for a disproportionate number of fatal accidents on highways.
The investigation into what caused Cooley’s vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic continues. Texas DPS has not provided a timeline for when their findings might be released. The agency will examine various factors, including road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and other elements that could have contributed to the collision. Such investigations typically take weeks or months to complete as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of events.