The Georgetown community is struggling to make sense of a quiet Wednesday evening that turned into an absolute nightmare. Cooper Andrew Elsik, just 18 years old, was driving his Ford Escape on Highway 79 when a split-second moment changed everything. Cooper and his 17-year-old female passenger didn’t make it home that night, leaving a massive hole in the hearts of everyone who knew them.
It was right around 6:55 p.m., just west of County Road 334, when the chaos started. According to state troopers, a 60-year-old man from Lufkin was heading east in a massive Dodge Ram 3500 pickup, towing a utility trailer. For reasons still being looked into, the truck failed to stay in its lane. It crossed over into oncoming traffic and hit Cooper’s Ford Escape head-on, a collision so violent it sent the smaller car spinning out of control.
After the initial impact, Cooper’s car was pushed into the path of a third vehicle, a 2026 Infiniti QX60 that had been traveling behind the Dodge. By the time help arrived, there wasn’t much anyone could do for the two teens. Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace David Yarbrough arrived at the scene and officially pronounced them both dead shortly after 7:00 p.m. It’s the kind of news no parent or friend is ever prepared to hear.
The people inside that third vehicle didn’t walk away unscathed either. Three people from the Infiniti were rushed to Baylor Scott & White Hospital with serious injuries. While the physical wounds might eventually heal, the memory of those terrifying moments on the highway will likely stick with them forever. Meanwhile, the driver of the pickup truck is left to face the aftermath of a drive that went horribly wrong.
Back in Georgetown, the atmosphere is heavy. Cooper was the kind of guy who made an impression on everyone he met. Friends describe him as a bright, promising young man who had his whole life ahead of him. He was known for his energy and a genuine kindness that’s hard to find. Whether it was in the hallways at school or just hanging out around town, Cooper’s presence was a light that many people relied on.
The Milam County community has really stepped up to wrap its arms around the grieving families. There’s been an outpouring of prayers and support as people try to process how someone so young could be gone so fast. It’s a tragic reminder for all of us that life is incredibly fragile, and things can shift in the blink of an eye on any ordinary Wednesday night.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on remembering the joy Cooper brought into the world. His life was far too short, but the impact he made in 18 years is clearly going to stay with Georgetown for a long time. For now, his family and friends are holding onto the memories, keeping his spirit alive even as they face the difficult days ahead.
