08/21/2026
Texas City, TX Lineman dies in a workplace accident
Texas City, Texas. Another lineman has lost his life doing the dangerous work that most of us never see, but all of us depend on.
Today, a Texas wife and two little boys are facing the unimaginable.
Ryne Cooper was killed August 11 while working as a lineman. He was a husband. A dad. A provider. And according to the people who loved him, his family was his entire world.
Kelsie Cooper, his sister-in-law, shared Ryne's story with a broken heart.
"On August 11th, our family experienced an unimaginable loss," she wrote. "Ryne Cooper tragically lost his life while working as a lineman, doing the job he worked so hard at and taking care of his family the way he always did."
Ryne leaves behind his wife, Macy, and their two boys, Reed and Rory.
"Ryne was a devoted husband to Macy and a loving father to their two boys," Kelsie wrote. "More than anything, Ryne loved spending time with his family and close friends. He loved being outdoors, making memories, and simply being surrounded by the people he cared about most. His family was his world, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them."
Ryne's story hits especially hard because his isn't the first lineman family to face devastating news after a day at work changed everything. Over the past several months, families across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and now Georgia have reached out after accidents involving the men and women who climb poles and restore power, one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Some survived life-changing injuries. Some didn't make it home.
This time, that knock came for Macy. And two boys have lost their dad.
A fundraiser organized by Kelsie has already raised over $100,000 toward funeral and memorial expenses, immediate household needs, and the ongoing financial responsibilities Macy now faces alone.
"We are asking our family, friends, coworkers, and community to come together and surround Macy, Reed, and Rory with the same love and support that Ryne gave so freely to the people around him," Kelsie wrote.
Please pray for Macy. Pray for Reed and Rory as they try to understand a world without their dad in it. Pray for Kelsie and everyone who loved Ryne.
And please say a prayer for every lineman who straps on that gear, leaves their family, and goes to work knowing the job carries risks most of us will never have to face.
Rest easy, Ryne.
