A tragic accident has shaken the Washington Catholic Schools and the broader Daviess County community, as friends, family, and classmates mourn the sudden loss of 16-year-old Cooper Schuckman, a beloved student-athlete and son of Washington Catholic boys basketball coach, Gene Schuckman.
On the evening of Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call at a residence on 2094 W 300 N in Washington, Indiana. Dispatchers were informed of a serious incident involving a vehicle that had fallen on an individual.
According to investigators, Cooper and a friend had been working on a Ford F-350 truck using two air jacks on blocks and a floor jack to lift the vehicle. During the repair, the truck shifted weight and collapsed off the supports, pinning Cooper beneath it. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, using a nearby forklift to lift the heavy vehicle and extract the teen. Despite their efforts, Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident has left the community reeling from the loss of a young life full of promise. Cooper was known for his infectious energy, work ethic, and passion for sports, particularly basketball. A rising figure in the Boys Hatchet Hoops Association, he played with heart and pride as both a teammate and leader on the court.
“Words seem so feeble in moments like these,” read one tribute shared by a family friend. “Life is so precious, and death such a thief. The depth of your pain I cannot comprehend, but I’ll stand alongside you in the darkness, my friend.”
Washington Catholic Schools issued a statement honoring Cooper’s memory:
“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.”
Cooper’s father, Coach Gene Schuckman, is a pillar of the local athletic community. Now, he and his family face an unimaginable grief that has touched every corner of the city and beyond.
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation but believes the incident to be a tragic accident. The department was assisted on the scene by the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Daviess County Ambulance Service, and the Daviess County Coroner’s Office.
Funeral arrangements for Cooper Schuckman have not yet been announced.
The community is being asked to keep the Schuckman family in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead, as they mourn the loss of a son, student, and shining light gone far too soon.