Cooper Andrew Elsik Car Accident—On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, a devastating three-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 79 claimed the lives of 18-year-old Cooper Andrew Elsik of Georgetown, Texas, and his 17-year-old female passenger. The fatal crash occurred in Milam County, casting a shadow over the holiday season for multiple families and the surrounding community.
Accident Details
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the crash happened just before 7:00 p.m. along U.S. Highway 79 between the towns of Rockdale and Milano, near County Road 334. Traffic was moderate at the time, with vehicles traveling in both directions as families made holiday trips on Christmas Eve.
Investigators reported that the incident began when a 60-year-old man from Lufkin was driving a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck while towing a trailer. DPS officials stated that the driver failed to maintain his lane, causing the truck to cross into oncoming traffic. This critical error led to a head-on collision with a 2019 Ford Escape driven by Cooper Andrew Elsik.
Chain-Reaction Collision
The force of the initial impact caused Elsik’s vehicle to lose control. Moments later, the Ford Escape collided with a 2026 Infiniti QX60 that had been traveling behind the Dodge Ram. The chain-reaction crash resulted in severe damage to all three vehicles involved, leaving debris scattered across the highway.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, Cooper Andrew Elsik and his passenger were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of their injuries. The loss of two young lives has deeply affected their families, friends, and the Georgetown community, especially during what is traditionally a time of celebration and togetherness.
Injuries and Road Closure
Three occupants of the Infiniti QX60 sustained serious injuries in the collision. They were transported to Baylor Scott & White Hospital, where they received treatment for injuries described as severe but survivable. Their current conditions have not been publicly released.
Due to the scale of the crash and the ongoing investigation, U.S. Highway 79 was shut down for several hours between Highway 77 and Highway 190. The closure allowed authorities to conduct a detailed investigation, clear the wreckage, and ensure the safety of the roadway. The highway reopened to traffic at approximately 11:20 p.m.
Ongoing Investigation
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials are examining factors such as speed, vehicle positioning, and potential impairment, though no additional details or charges have been announced at this time.
As the investigation moves forward, the tragic deaths of Cooper Andrew Elsik and his passenger serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of roadway travel and the profound impact a single moment can have on countless lives.
