Honoring Cooper Lyles: Support His Legacy

Our son & baby brother, Cooper Reese Lyles, was tragically taken from us during an accident at work on December 2, 2024. He was 18 years old. No matter what you have been through in life, nothing prepares you for that phone call. Shock and disbelief immediately set in, followed by obvious sadness, and a sense of emptiness. These emotions repeated and intensified with each phone call, as family and friends were notified. In the days that followed, our family received numerous calls, texts, cards, flowers, food, and other gifts. We planned for 200 people at his celebration of life service; over 500 attended. 300 seats were filled, and the rest stood along the walls, the back of the room, outside of the opened side doors, and into the lobby. The parking lot quickly filled, and one of the attendees videoed the line of cars that were parked for over a half mile down the road. The service was beautiful, with several family members, friends, coaches, and teammates speaking about the impact Cooper had on their lives. While we obviously adored him, we had no idea of the influence, guidance, kindness, leadership, support, and love Cooper gave to so many.

Cooper was born on January 27th, 2006, the youngest of 3. He was a sweet, chunky baby adored by his parents, Jason and Aundrea, sister Taylor, and brother Ethan. Cooper was a quiet toddler, never got into trouble, able to entertain himself, and his sweet smile lit up the room. He was usually glued to his sister’s hip and was always down to join his brother fishing, riding their dune buggy, or any adventure they concocted. As the years passed, Cooper followed his brother into sports, playing football and lacrosse. Ethan was the big brother, the athlete, and got all of the glory. Always “Ethan’s little brother,” Cooper struggled to get out of his big brother’s shadow. Eventually, he chose his own path, excelling in soccer and flag football. As a freshman in high school, going through the awkward teenage years and struggling to find his own path, Ethan convinced Cooper to join the St. Augustine Jackets lacrosse team and play with him one last season before graduating. A little rusty, Cooper struggled to see the field much that season, and we assumed he wouldn’t return to the team. Boy, were we wrong! Something happened the summer before sophomore year, and a switch flipped for him. He practiced and went to the gym every day, slimmed down, got faster, and became a starting defensive pole for the Varsity team. He continued to work, developing his skills and becoming a leader on and off the field. Though still VERY quiet, shy, introverted, and rarely smiled for pictures, Cooper was known for giving 100% in practice and games. His coaches have said many times, “it didn’t matter if we were down 7 or up 10, he was relentless and never took a play off.” After games or practice, he was the last one to leave the field, making sure the equipment was returned to the shed. Cooper was a great teammate and friend, always there to encourage, advise, provide praise, and give constructive criticism to his teammates to get the most out of them. Off the field, Cooper was a loyal friend, known for his willingness to help, no matter the ask. If a teammate needed a ride to practice, games, or travel to out-of-town tournaments, Cooper was always there. If there was a party, Cooper was said to be the last one to leave, ensuring the house was clean. Many of his friends have shared how Cooper listened and helped guide them through difficult situations. It was said that, “if they were ever in trouble and had one call to make, it was to Cooper. He would always be there.”

Cooper’s senior year was one we’d all hoped he would experience. Finally out of his brother’s shadow, having transformed his body into a machine, he was named Captain of the Lacrosse team. At 5-8”, 145 lbs, he was nicknamed “Big COOP” because of his quiet but palpable confidence and leadership. He helped lead his team to an amazing season, winning the district championship, and was given the coaches’ “Jacket Award.” This is one of only 2 awards given by the SAHS lacrosse coaches, and while extremely proud, Coop would say his greatest accomplishment was the TEAM’s success. His year didn’t stop there. He got the girl, went to prom, and fell in love. He fished with his dad, brother, and friends…known for catching Triple tail, huge Reds, Trout, and Flounder. He went with his family to the Bahamas, NYC, and white water rafting in the mountains. He renewed the love for golf he had when he was little, picking up where he left off with a pure swing that we all envied. He went to concerts, Gator football games, and grew closer to his brother and sister, and adored his nephew Bronx and niece Embry.

After graduation, in true Coop fashion, he decided to take a semester off and work, save money, and figure out his career path. He researched joining the Coast Guard, as well as becoming a Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) officer, versus starting college. Cooper always had an affinity for law enforcement, animals, and the outdoors. So, he decided he would obtain a degree in criminal justice and pursue a career with the FWC. He planned to enroll at St. Johns in January, and when his friends graduated in May, they would go to UNF together in the fall.

Cooper was a quiet, shy, and introverted young man. However, he was pure, generous, loving, witty, laid back, sarcastic, intelligent, athletic, detail-oriented, driven, handsome, and had a beautiful soul. He was everything a parent could want in a son or a sibling could want in a brother. He was truly the BEST of all of us, and he was taken WAY too soon. To say he will be missed doesn’t even come close to describing our pain, grief, anger, disbelief, and loss. Our family is forever changed, and we struggle daily to breathe…to put one foot in front of the other, and go on. But, we do…because Coop would want us to.

After numerous conversations with his friends, coaches, teammates, and others in our small town, it is clear that Coop had a big impact on a lot of people, and will be missed by many. In an effort to keep his memory alive, as well as to make some good come from this unimaginable loss, our family will be creating The Cooper Lyles Foundation. Through charitable donations, as well as plans for an annual golf tournament, a lacrosse weekend camp, and other potential fundraisers, our family plans to honor Cooper by providing scholarships, in his name, to deserving St. Johns County high school students. Additionally, we plan to donate to A Port in the Storm, a local homeless organization that focuses on assistance for the youth who are aging out of the foster system. With your generous donations, we will be able to help enrich the lives of the youth in our community, the way Cooper would have wanted.

 

Thank you for your generous showing of love and support,

“Play Like Coop #56”

 The Lyles Family