Jake Cooper Obituary: A Young Baseball Fan Who Died Suddenly and Inspired a Nonprofit

Jake Cooper was more than just a 12-year-old boy from Mars, Butler County, Pennsylvania. Jake Cooper was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, and a friend who touched many lives with his kindness and joy. He was an avid baseball fan who played for the Beaver Valley baseball team and aspired to be a pro someday. Jake Cooper was also a smart and diligent student, a gentle and compassionate soul, and a cheerful and adventurous kid who loved spending time with his loved ones.

But on March 22, 2020, Jake Cooper’s life ended abruptly and unexpectedly. He died at his home without any prior signs or symptoms of illness. His death remains a mystery to this day, despite numerous medical tests and investigations. His parents, Robert and Andrea Cooper, were shattered by the loss of their son, who had no known health problems or complaints.

Jake’s Way: A Nonprofit to Celebrate His Life

Instead of giving in to their sorrow, the Coopers chose to transform their pain into something positive and meaningful. They founded a nonprofit organization called Jake’s Way, which aims to help students with scholarships, sports equipment, and other needs. They also wanted to celebrate Jake’s love for baseball by building new fields for young players to enjoy.

Jake’s Way has raised over $1 million in donations and grants since its establishment. It has collaborated with various local businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals who share the same vision of giving back to the community and keeping Jake’s spirit alive. Some of the projects that Jake’s Way has supported or initiated include:

• Awarding scholarships to graduating seniors from Mars Area High School who demonstrate Jake’s qualities of academic excellence, athletic achievement, leadership, and service.
• Giving baseball equipment, uniforms, and supplies to various teams and leagues in Butler County and beyond.
• Funding a Miracle League field in Beaver County, which will be the first of its kind in the area. The Miracle League is a program that allows children with special needs to play baseball in a safe and accessible environment.
• Constructing seven new turf baseball fields in Beaver County, which will be named after Jake and his favorite players. The fields will be located at the site of a former Blackhawk school and will be open to the public for recreational and competitive use.
• Organizing an annual golf outing at the Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Gibsonia, which serves as the main fundraiser for Jake’s Way. The event attracts hundreds of participants and sponsors who enjoy a day of golfing, raffles, auctions, and entertainment.

Jake’s Legacy: A Source of Inspiration and Hope

The Coopers hope that by telling Jake’s story and creating opportunities for others through Jake’s Way, they can inspire people to live life like he did: with joy, gratitude, generosity, and courage. They also hope that they can raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which is the leading cause of death among young athletes. SCA is a condition where the heart stops beating unexpectedly due to an electrical problem. It can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age or health status.

The Coopers urge parents, coaches, teachers, and anyone who works with children to learn the signs and symptoms of SCA, which may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting

They also encourage people to learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), which are lifesaving devices that can restore the heart’s normal rhythm in case of SCA. They advocate for having AEDs available in schools, sports fields, and other public places where children gather.

The Coopers believe that by educating themselves and others about SCA prevention and intervention, they can honor Jake’s memory and potentially save lives.

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