In a devastating turn of events, Hinton was shaken by the loss of a vibrant young soul, 14-year-old Cooper Petkau, in a tragic accident on Friday, October 6th, 2023. Cooper’s passing has left family members and friends grappling with grief, trying to come to terms with the loss of a beloved member of their community.
Cooper’s joyful presence was a beacon of light, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. His infectious laughter and sweet grin had the power to brighten any room, a testament to his larger-than-life personality. Cooper’s zest for life was evident, and his determination to pursue his goals was unwavering. He held a special place in the hearts of those around him, showering them with love and care.
A memorial service is planned to celebrate Cooper’s life at the Hinton Center in Hinton, Alberta, on October 20 at one o’clock in the afternoon. In this time of sorrow, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, reflecting Cooper’s giving and compassionate nature.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been set up by Sherri Muyres and Carmen Ireland to support Cooper’s family during this difficult time. Their heartfelt message urges for the family to be granted the space to grieve without additional stress, emphasizing the importance of cherishing precious memories.
Tragically, Cooper was not alone in this accident, as another 14-year-old boy lost his life in the collision at Brule Road, west of Hinton. The incident, which took place about eight kilometers west of the town near the entrance to Jasper National Park, has left the community in mourning.
The young driver involved in the collision was transported to the Stollery Children’s Hospital and is now in stable condition after sustaining serious injuries. The heart-wrenching loss of these young lives serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, prompting the community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.
Cooper Petkau Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Cooper Petkau at age 14 years. Cooper passed away suddenly on October 6th, 2023, in a tragic car accident.
Cooper is survived by his mom and dad, Ashley and Matt Petkau of Hinton AB and his sister Camry, his grandparents John and Sonny Bennett, Sandra Cranston, and Jerry and Mona Petkau, aunts and uncles; Sherri (Kurtis) Muyres, Carmen (Ryan) Ireland, Casey (Mindi) Petkau, Jenn (Germen Groenhof) Petkau, Derrick (Haley) Petkau, cousins; Tao, Emma, Ava, Jacob, Lily, Riley, Jonas, Espen, Samantha, Garrett, Gavin, Lily and Wylliam, as well as numerous other family and friends.
Cooper was best known for his larger-than-life personality. He had the most amazing infectious laughter and a smile that was incredibly heartwarming. His zest for life had a remarkable way of brightening any space he stepped into. Cooper possessed an unwavering determination when it came to pursuing any goal he set his mind on. His love for his family and friends was immense. He never missed a chance to make sure we all felt it. It was always there, shining through everything he did. He loved family gatherings, honest conversations and great laughs. Cooper passed away living life to the absolute fullest. His absence will be felt for an eternity.
A Memorial Service will be held October 20th at 1:00pm at the Hinton Center in Hinton AB
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
