News Summary
The San Antonio education community is grieving the tragic death of Zion Cook, a 21-year-old college student whose body was found in the San Antonio River. Cook, a dedicated scholar at Texas Tech University, was remembered for his joy and proactive approach to education. His passing raises awareness about mental health, especially as the community has faced multiple tragedies recently. A scholarship in his honor is being planned to continue his legacy. The community’s support includes a GoFundMe campaign to assist his family during this challenging time.
San Antonio – The San Antonio education community is in mourning following the tragic death of Zion Cook, a 21-year-old college student whose body was discovered in the San Antonio River near Villita Street on Monday. Cook had been reported missing by his family two days earlier on Saturday.
Authorities recovered Cook’s body during a busy period along the River Walk, sparking concern and grief among family and friends. As of now, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has not officially determined the cause or manner of death. San Antonio police reported that there were no visible signs of trauma on Cook’s body, which has left many questions unanswered.
Zion Cook was a dedicated student who had recently completed coursework at San Antonio College and had transferred to Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in architecture. His educational journey began at Roosevelt High School, where he was recognized for his hard work and received numerous scholarships, including a significant $10,000 award from the Blackbird Golf Foundation.
Cook’s family and community members remember him as a bright young man with a promising future. His great-uncle described him as a joyful individual who was a pleasure to be around. The founder of the Blackbird Golf Foundation praised Cook for his proactive efforts regarding education and career planning, characterizing him as “exceptional.” Such sentiments have resonated throughout the Roosevelt High School community, where members, including Cook’s former basketball coach, expressed their sorrow at his passing and highlighted his well-respected status among peers.
The loss of Zion Cook marks a heavier emotional toll on the Roosevelt community, which has faced the tragic loss of four students in the past nine months. This repeated grief has created an atmosphere of sadness and has prompted conversations about mental health and support resources for current students.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Cook was employed at Panda Express in Selma, Texas. Following his death, his coworkers set up a GoFundMe campaign to honor his memory, which has raised over $7,000 to support his family during this difficult time. The Panda Restaurant Group released a public statement expressing their condolences and the deep sadness felt by the organization regarding Cook’s passing.
To further commemorate Cook’s legacy, the Blackbird Foundation announced plans to establish a scholarship in his name. This initiative aims to continue supporting students in their educational endeavors, reflecting the values that Cook embodied during his life.
As investigations continue, Cook’s family and friends are channeling their grief into preserving his memory through storytelling and scholarship initiatives. The community’s efforts to celebrate Zion Cook’s life will serve as a tribute to the impact he had on those around him and the aspirations he held for the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Underway After Body of 21-Year-Old Found in River
Investigation Underway After Tragic Death of Young Adult in San Antonio
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5: Body Discovered in River
- KSAT News: Man Found Dead in San Antonio River
- San Antonio Current: Body Found in River Identified
- Express News: River Walk Deaths
- KTSA: Body Identified in San Antonio River
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Google Search: Zion Cook
- Google Scholar: Zion Cook
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zion Cook
- Google News: Zion Cook
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
