WASHINGTON, IN — A heartbreaking accident claimed the life of a Washington teenager on Saturday night, June 7, while he was working on a vehicle with a friend. The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 16-year-old Cooper Schuckman died after being pinned beneath a truck at a residence near 2094 W 300 N.
Emergency responders were called to the scene just after 9:00 p.m. after receiving reports that a person was trapped under a vehicle. Upon arrival, they found Schuckman pinned under a full-size Ford F350. A nearby forklift was used to lift the heavy truck and free the young man, but tragically, he had already succumbed to his injuries. His family has been notified of the devastating loss.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Cooper and a friend had been working on the truck, which was supported by two air jacks. While they were attempting to remove a part from underneath the vehicle, the weight suddenly shifted, causing the truck to slip off the jacks and fall on Cooper. The accident appears to have been a terrible mishap during a routine repair effort.
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. They were assisted at the scene by the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Daviess County Ambulance Service, and the Daviess County Coroner’s Office. Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play.
News of Cooper’s passing has deeply affected the Washington community, where the teen was known for his kindness and hardworking spirit. Friends, neighbors, and classmates have begun sharing tributes and condolences on social media, remembering him as a bright and helpful young man with a love for mechanics.
As the community mourns, officials are reminding residents to always take extreme caution when working under vehicles. Ensuring proper safety support and using multiple stable jacks or stands can prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Funeral arrangements for Cooper Schuckman have not yet been announced.
