Cooper Deatherage Obituary: Brookings, South Dakota Community Rallies Around Young Hockey Player
Cooper Deatherage Obituary – Death: The Brookings, South Dakota, community continues to rally around Cooper Deatherage, a young hockey player and recent Brookings High School graduate whose health battle inspired widespread support, strength, and compassion throughout the region. Cooper’s story touched classmates, teammates, coaches, and residents across Brookings as many followed his courageous fight and offered prayers and encouragement to his family.
Known affectionately by many as “Juice,” Cooper Deatherage was recognized for his years with the Brookings Rangers hockey program, where he spent more than a decade on the ice and served as assistant captain for the varsity team during the 2024–2025 season. Friends and supporters remembered him as a determined athlete, supportive teammate, and respected young leader within the hockey community.
Brookings Community United in Support
Following reports of his serious medical condition, members of the Brookings community organized fundraising and support efforts to assist the Deatherage family. A widely shared fundraiser described how Cooper’s life changed suddenly after experiencing blurred vision, leading doctors to discover a mass in the center of his brain.
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The fundraiser quickly gained support from community members, former teammates, friends, and local residents who rallied behind Cooper and his family during the difficult period. Messages shared alongside donations reflected the strong impact he had on people around him and the admiration many felt for his resilience.
Remembered as Athlete, Friend, and Student
Cooper had recently graduated from Brookings High School and was preparing for the next chapter of his life, including plans to attend college and continue building toward his future goals. Those closest to him remembered his positive attitude, competitive spirit, and dedication both on and off the ice.
Tributes shared by friends and supporters emphasized his character, kindness, and the close bonds he formed throughout the Brookings hockey and school communities.
Community Continues to Honor His Memory
As support and condolences continue to be shared, many in Brookings are remembering Cooper Deatherage for the strength and inspiration he brought to others during his battle. His story resonated deeply throughout the local sports community and beyond, where people continue to honor his memory and support his family.
Funeral and memorial service information had not been broadly released publicly at the time of reporting.