It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Rodney Cooper, a beloved husband, friend, and respected professional, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Jackson Parish on Tuesday morning. He was 64 years old and a resident of Huntsville, Texas.
Rodney was a man whose life was defined by dedication, leadership, and compassion. As the Executive Director of LaSalle Correction, a Ruston-based firm providing prison management support, Rodney played a vital role in guiding operations with integrity, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the communities and individuals his organization served. His colleagues remember him as a visionary leader — calm under pressure, fair-minded, and deeply committed to making a positive impact in his field.
The tragic accident occurred as Rodney was en route to the Ruston Regional Airport, located approximately five miles from the crash site. His plane, registered to LaSalle Management Company, went down in a heavily wooded area of Jackson Parish. Despite swift response efforts, Rodney was the sole occupant of the aircraft and did not survive.
Authorities from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived on the scene to begin a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. While questions remain about the circumstances, what is certain is the deep void left behind by his sudden passing.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rodney was known for his warmth, humility, and generosity of spirit. Friends describe him as someone who could light up any room with his steady optimism and sincere interest in others. He was a devoted family man who cherished time with loved ones, found joy in simple pleasures, and lived each day with purpose.
Those who knew Rodney best will remember not just his professional achievements, but his character — his quiet strength, unwavering ethics, and kind heart. He was a man who believed in hard work, faith, and the importance of helping others succeed. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, both personally and professionally.
As his family, friends, and colleagues mourn this heartbreaking loss, they take comfort in knowing that Rodney’s influence endures — in the lives he shaped, the careers he inspired, and the love he shared so freely.
May we remember Rodney Cooper not for how his life ended, but for how he lived — with integrity, compassion, and purpose. May he rest in eternal peace.
