Cooper was killed in the heart of his community.
Cooper Schoenke (pronounced "Shankie") was fatally hit at age 19, at 7:56pm on April 14, 2025. A car was being pursued by a state trooper from I-20 over 1.5 miles up Moreland Avenue at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. The chase took them through the residential and commercial neighborhoods into the heart of the Little Five Points community.
Remembered for his gentle spirit, comedic timing, and dry sense of humor, Cooper’s death has prompted calls for reform in police pursuit policies to prevent similar tragedies. His loss has profoundly impacted his family, friends, and community.
Cooper Patrick Edgar Schoenke was born on September 29, 2005, at 11:40 PM at Northside Hospital. He was a kind and passionate young man with a love for music and his hometown of Atlanta. Cooper worked at the Fox Theatre, immersing himself in his passion for music, and held a special place in his heart for the Little Five Points neighborhood. His grandfather, John Patrick Crecine, was a prominent figure in Atlanta as the former president of Georgia Tech and instrumental in bringing the Olympics to the city.
Videos
The night of Cooper's death.
Community mourning for Cooper.
Interview with Kate Schoenke.
