GREENEVILLE – Those who are unable to attend in person the memorial service for the Tusculum University student who passed away in a car accident Friday, Dec. 5, will be able to watch it via livestream.
The memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 8, at Tusculum University.
Tusculum will hold the service in memory of freshman Payton Cook Monday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. in Pioneer Arena. The livestream will begin at 4:45 p.m. People can access the service at https://bit.ly/4povOy7.
“We have received many requests for the livestream and are pleased to accommodate them,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “This accident and Payton’s passing have touched many people deeply, and we have planned a ceremony that is intended to help everyone in the healing process. We encourage everyone to join us in person or on the livestream.”
Cook, a business administration major and men’s lacrosse team member, came to Tusculum from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. He passed away in a car accident on Old Tusculum Road.
His passing has resulted in an outpouring of support from many people and some memories from his professors on social media following the accident.
“I am heartbroken to learn this sad news,” said Dr. Angela Keaton, professor of history. “I just saw him Thursday morning. Payton was in one of my classes this semester. He was a model student – hardworking, engaged, and intelligent. I am praying for his family, friends, and teammates.”
“I am absolutely devastated to hear this,” said Holly Ratcliff, assistant professor of English. “Payton was a student in two of my classes this fall, and I just saw him yesterday morning. He was a smart, kind, polite, and dedicated student. I am heartbroken for his family, his friends, his teammates, his classmates, and all of us in our very close-knit community at Tusculum. Praying for comfort for so many at this time.”
The men’s lacrosse team attended the worship service at Tusculum Baptist Church Sunday, Dec. 7, and received support from the congregation.
The university is also pleased to report that the other four students who were injured – Nate DeSouza, Brandon Newsom, Hagan Windsor and Jordan York – have been released from the hospital. Dr. Hummel said the university is extremely grateful for this outcome but knows that is not the end of their recovery. He said the Tusculum family wishes these students the best as they continue to progress in their healing.
Dr. Hummel said the well-being of the Cook family remains on the minds of the Tusculum family. He said Tusculum continues to pray and provide support for them.
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.