COOKE COUNTY, Texas — Four people were killed Saturday evening in a head-on crash in Cooke County that left one child injured and hospitalized.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division responded to the crash at approximately 8:20 p.m. on March 14, 2026, along FM-51 near County Road 383.
According to a preliminary investigation, a Kia SUV traveling southbound on FM-51 attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone and collided head-on with a northbound Nissan SUV. After the collision, the northbound vehicle caught fire.
The driver of the southbound Kia SUV was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities have not yet released that person’s identity.
Three occupants of the northbound Nissan SUV were also pronounced dead at the scene. Wise County Emergency Services District 3 later identified the victims as off-duty Paradise firefighter Cooper Bailey, his wife Jennifer Bailey, and their son Hudson.
One additional passenger from the northbound vehicle, their young daughter Lilah, survived the crash and was airlifted to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth by CareFlite. She remains under medical care and is being supported by her grandparents.
In a statement, Wise County Emergency Services District 3 said the loss of Firefighter Bailey has deeply affected the department.
“Firefighter Bailey was a dedicated member of this department, and his loss is felt deeply by us all. We ask for your prayers and for privacy for the family during this unimaginable time,” the department said.
A fundraiser has been established to support Lilah’s medical care and future needs, as well as to assist the family during the difficult days ahead.
Donations can be made here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-the-bailey-family
The crash remains under investigation by the Texas DPS.
