Rodney Cooper Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the pilot involved in the recent plane crash near Ruston as 64-year-old Rodney Cooper of Huntsville, Texas. According to Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown, Cooper was flying from Huntsville to Ruston Regional Airport when the incident occurred on October 21.
Officials reported that Cooper served as the Executive Director at LaSalle Corrections and was making the trip to Ruston for work-related purposes. The crash took place in a wooded area near Old Snipe Road in Jackson Parish, approximately five miles from the Ruston airport, located in neighboring Lincoln Parish.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Cirrus SR-22, a single-engine piston plane known for its advanced design and safety features, including a built-in parachute system. Investigators are currently examining the wreckage and gathering data to determine what may have caused the crash.
Local emergency services quickly responded to reports of the downed aircraft. Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputies, local firefighters, and other first responders arrived at the wooded crash site to secure the area and begin initial recovery efforts. Due to the rural and heavily forested terrain, access to the scene was limited, requiring the assistance of specialized equipment to reach the wreckage safely.
The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have both launched an investigation, which will focus on multiple aspects of the flight, including weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, pilot experience, and possible mechanical or technical issues. Investigators will also review air traffic control communications and flight path data to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Residents living near Old Snipe Road reported hearing unusual sounds around the time of the incident, followed by the discovery of emergency personnel arriving on site. Local authorities established a temporary perimeter to allow federal investigators to conduct their work without interference.
The Cirrus SR-22 model, while generally regarded as a safe and modern aircraft, has been involved in occasional accidents over the years, often linked to weather-related challenges or loss of control during flight. The NTSB typically takes several weeks or months to complete its analysis and issue a final report detailing the likely cause and contributing factors.
Rodney Cooper was a well-respected professional in his field, known for his leadership and long-standing career in correctional administration. His sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, friends, and community members who described him as dedicated, compassionate, and deeply committed to his work.
Officials have stated that no one else was on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. Recovery crews worked through the evening to safely remove debris and begin the process of collecting evidence for federal review. The site has since been cleared, though federal investigators are expected to return for follow-up inspections as part of their ongoing investigation.
At this stage, no preliminary findings have been released regarding potential causes, and officials are urging the public to avoid speculation until the official report is published. Weather conditions at the time of the crash have not been confirmed, but the NTSB will consider atmospheric data as part of its assessment.
As the investigation continues, authorities extend their sympathies to Cooper’s family and loved ones. Local agencies in both Jackson and Lincoln Parishes have expressed appreciation to all the first responders who assisted in the immediate aftermath.
Once the NTSB completes its analysis, the findings will be shared publicly to help improve aviation safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the Ruston community and those who knew Rodney Cooper are remembering him for his professionalism, character, and contributions to the people he served throughout his career.
