News Summary
The San Antonio community is grieving the tragic death of 21-year-old Zion Cook, whose body was found in the San Antonio River near the River Walk. Cook’s family reported him missing two days prior. Known for his academic drive and promising future in architecture, Cook’s untimely death has raised concerns among community leaders, especially amidst a concerning pattern of deaths in the area. Friends and family are determined to honor his memory through scholarships and support for his grieving family.
San Antonio – The community is mourning the tragic loss of 21-year-old Zion Cook, whose body was recovered from the San Antonio River on Monday near the River Walk by Villita Street. Cook had been reported missing by his family two days prior to the discovery, raising immediate concerns among his loved ones and community members.
The official cause and manner of death have yet to be determined by the Bexar County Medical Examiner. However, the San Antonio police reported no obvious signs of trauma on Cook’s body at the time of recovery. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, they hope to glean further information regarding this heartbreaking incident.
Cook’s family is feeling the weight of this loss deeply. His great-uncle, George Cook, described him as a dedicated and outstanding young man who had bright aspirations for the future. Recently, Zion had transferred from San Antonio College to Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in architecture. His academic journey was characterized by hard work and determination, as evidenced by his graduation from Roosevelt High School with multiple scholarships to his name, including a notable $10,000 award from the Blackbird Golf Foundation.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Cook was proactive in seeking internships in architecture and engineering, further highlighting his commitment to his future career. Demonte Alexander, the founder of Blackbird Golf, expressed that Cook was regarded as an exceptional young man with a promising future. Alongside his studies, Cook was employed at Panda Express in Selma, where his coworkers have come together to establish a GoFundMe campaign. This initiative has successfully raised over $7,000 to support Cook’s family during this difficult time.
The San Antonio River has become a troubling site, with authorities looking into a concerning pattern of deaths occurring in the area. Community leaders are taking these incidents seriously, as each loss affects many people. Recently, Coach Carl D. Lee from Roosevelt High School noted the community’s painful experiences, reporting that four students have died in tragic incidents over the past nine months, compounding the grief felt throughout the neighborhood.
In light of this heartbreaking event, family and friends of Zion Cook are determined to honor his memory. They aim to preserve his legacy through storytelling and scholarships dedicated in his name. This collective effort reflects the love and admiration held by those who knew him best, highlighting his positive impact on their lives.
As the investigation into Zion Cook’s death continues, the case remains open, with authorities expressing hope that new information may surface to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. The San Antonio community stands united in their grief as they reflect on the promising future taken too soon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Community Mourns the Loss of Young Man
Community Mourns Loss of Promising Student
Investigation Underway After Body of 21-Year-Old Found in River
Investigation Underway After Tragic Death of Young Adult in San Antonio
Trenton Community Honors Shirley Forinash’s Legacy
Additional Resources
- KENS5 News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio River
- KSAT
- Google Search: Zion Cook San Antonio
- San Antonio Current
- Google Scholar: San Antonio River Incidents
- KSAT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- KTSA News
- Google News: San Antonio River 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.


