Tusculum University Men’s Lacrosse Player Payton Cook, 19, Died In an Accident, Leaving Parents and Siblings Shattered!
Sadly, Payton passed away just 8 months after committing to Tusculum University’s men’s lacrosse team.
December 8, 2026
This article was last updated by Aditi Rai on December 8, 2026
A freshman at Tusculum University, Payton Cook, passed away in a tragic car crash on Friday evening, December 5, 2026, 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.
Back home in Canada, Payton grew up playing for the Sherwood Park Titans and later played junior lacrosse with the Beaumont Outlaws and Edmonton Miners. (Image Source: )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, 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.
You May Read:
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!
- Check other Articles on
Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.
Related articles
May 20, 2026
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
May 18, 2026
Comments
LEAVE A REPLY
Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Share article
- May 20, 2026 A witness account posted to the Glebe Locals Facebook group has sparked a heated debate among residents after a group of schoolboys was seen...
- May 20, 2026 Bruce C Kelsey, an A-level squash player, a champion platform tennis player, a scratch golfer, and a quick-witted bridge player, passed away at 70. Kelsey...
- May 19, 2026 Jerry L. "Sport" Jordan, a graduate of Laurel Highlands High School, passed away at 64. He was born on September 4, 1961, in Brownsville, PA,...
- May 19, 2026 A disturbing video circulating on social media has raised concerns among residents in Concord, New Hampshire, after footage emerged showing what appears to be...
- May 18, 2026 Dalton, a graduate of Paynesville High School, passed away at 30. Dalton was born on July 26, 1995, in Paynesville, Minnesota. His childhood was filled...
