News Summary
The San Antonio community is grieving the tragic loss of Zion Cook, a 21-year-old whose body was found in the San Antonio River. Cook, who had recently graduated college, was reported missing a few days prior. His family is seeking answers while local authorities investigate the circumstances around his sudden death. Friends and coworkers are rallying to support his family during this difficult time, reflecting on his positive impact within the community. Discussions are underway to establish a scholarship in his name to honor his legacy.
San Antonio is mourning the loss of 21-year-old Zion Cook, whose body was found in the San Antonio River near the River Walk on Monday morning. Local authorities were called to the scene at Villita and Nueva streets to recover his remains, which were later identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The family of Zion Cook is grappling with shock and sorrow following the sudden death of their loved one. George Cook, Zion’s great-uncle, stated that the family is struggling to understand the events that led to this tragic loss. The circumstances surrounding Zion’s disappearance have left them confused, particularly since he had been reported missing on June 28 after he stopped responding to phone calls.
Authorities have categorized Zion Cook’s death as a “sudden death,” and the San Antonio police are actively investigating the case. As of now, there are no obvious signs of trauma on his body, and the cause and manner of death have yet to be established by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Zion Cook was a promising young man who had recently graduated from San Antonio College and completed a semester at Texas Tech University, where he was pursuing a degree in architecture. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, where he had built many lasting relationships and created a positive impression among students and faculty alike. His great-uncle described Zion as a fun-loving individual who was always eager to lend a helping hand to others.
As an active member of his community, Zion was recognized by his mentor, Demonte Alexander, as an exceptional individual dedicated to his education and career trajectory. He had received a scholarship from Alexander’s Blackbird Golf organization in 2022, reflecting his commitment to personal and academic growth.
In response to Zion’s untimely passing, coworkers from his job at Panda Express organized a GoFundMe campaign that has successfully raised over $7,000 to support his grieving family. His colleagues expressed deep condolences, underscoring that Zion was a valued member of their team and had made a significant impact on their workplace culture.
The shocking event has resonated within the broader community, particularly among the Roosevelt High School alumni, who have dealt with several tragic events over the past year. Many community members have expressed their desire to honor Zion’s legacy, and discussions about establishing a scholarship in his name through the Blackbird Golf organization are underway.
This tragic occurrence adds to a growing concern regarding fatalities in San Antonio’s rivers, as there have been multiple bodies discovered in the waterways over recent years. Zion Cook’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the need for heightened awareness and precaution in these locations.
As investigations continue into Zion’s death, the San Antonio community remains united in its grief and support for his family during this difficult time. Community leaders and family members are now seeking answers while remembering a vibrant young man whose life was tragically cut short.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns Loss of Promising Student
Investigation Underway After Body of 21-Year-Old Found in River
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KENS 5 News
- Google Search: Zion Cook
- San Antonio Current
- Google Scholar: Zion Cook
- KSAT News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio River
- KTSA News
- Google News: San Antonio River
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.
