The Tusculum University community is enveloped in profound grief following the tragic death of 19-year-old freshman men's lacrosse player, Payton Cook, in a car accident on Friday, December 5. The devastating incident, which occurred in the town of Tusculum, also left four other students injured, though thankfully their injuries were not life-threatening.
Cook, a business administration major from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, was a beloved member of the Pioneers' men's lacrosse team. The accident took place around 6 p.m. on Old Tusculum Road, near Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church. According to reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the 2018 Honda Pilot carrying the five students veered off the road and struck a tree on the passenger's side, where Cook was seated.
Community in Mourning
Tusculum University officials confirmed the heartbreaking news later that night, releasing a statement on the university's official Facebook page that conveyed the depth of their sorrow. "We are grieved to share the news that one of our students, Payton Cook, passed away tonight in a car accident," the university stated. "This is devastating news for all of us and, most importantly, for his personal family. Our hearts and prayers go out to all members of the Cook family."
The driver of the vehicle, 18-year-old Hagan Hunter Windsor from West Virginia, was later charged with driving on roadways laned for traffic. The other injured students were identified in a THP preliminary report as Brandon Newsom, 18, of Oklahoma; Jordan York, 18, of South Carolina; and Nathan Desouza, 19, of California. All occupants, including Cook, were reportedly wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Fortunately, all four injured students, including the driver, were released from the hospital by Sunday, December 7.
A "Gentle Giant" Remembered
Payton Cook, affectionately known as "Cookie" to his friends, left an indelible mark on those around him in his short time at Tusculum. Men's lacrosse coach Mike Brisbin fondly remembered Cook as a "gentle giant" who found joy in the outdoors, often fishing and hiking with his teammates. Cook also had a unique hobby of collecting Pokémon cards.
Tusculum University President Scott Hummel expressed the profound impact of Cook's passing on the campus community. "Payton's passing has impacted his family immensely, and it has left a big hole in the hearts of everyone at Tusculum," Hummel said in a public statement. He further added, "This has certainly been a devastating loss for our campus. Tusculum University has a tight-knit community," and emphasized, "Across the university to see his faith on this campus, he's definitely left a legacy and impression and will never be forgotten."
The grief was palpable among Cook's peers. Jordan York, one of the students injured in the crash, shared a poignant message at a memorial service. "If you ever got the chance to talk to him, you are very lucky. People like him don't come around often, and knowing him was one of the greatest gifts of my life," York stated. He concluded his emotional tribute with a direct message to his departed friend: "Cookie, if you're listening, keep watching over us. I love you, bro."
Even rival teams felt the weight of the tragedy. Caleb Mimms, a lacrosse player from Emory & Henry University, made the journey to Tusculum to show support. "It's all a family. I can't imagine what the Tusculum men's lacrosse program is going through right now," Mimms commented.
Support and Memorials
In the wake of the accident, Tusculum University quickly mobilized resources to support its grieving students, faculty, and staff. The Office of Student Affairs and Rev. E.J. Swatsell, the school's Director of Spiritual Life and Special Projects, were on hand to provide comfort and counseling. University leaders and staff also responded to the scene and the hospital to offer immediate support to the surviving students and their families.
A memorial service honoring Payton Cook was held on Monday, December 8, at Pioneer Arena, drawing hundreds of attendees who filled every seat to remember his life and legacy. The service was also live-streamed for those who could not attend in person. Additionally, the university observed moments of silence before its men's basketball game on Saturday, December 6, and planned another before the women's home game on Wednesday, December 10, as a tribute to Cook.
The outpouring of support from the wider community, including numerous social media posts, was deeply appreciated by the university. President Hummel acknowledged this, stating, "We are extremely grateful for all of the kind social media posts and other outreach we have received since the accident." The university has encouraged everyone to avoid speculation about the crash, emphasizing respect for the privacy of Cook's family and all those involved.
The loss of Payton Cook is a profound tragedy that has deeply impacted Tusculum University, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, and the entire campus community. His memory as a dedicated student-athlete and a cherished individual will undoubtedly live on.
