A community is mourning the loss of Cooper “Coop” Lyles, an 18-year-old high school lacrosse star who died in an industrial accident on December 2 at the Traffic Materials Supplier plant in St. Augustine.

Lyles, a lifelong resident of St. Augustine, graduated from St. Augustine High School in 2024. He was a talented lacrosse player and served as team captain, leading his team to a district championship that year. According to his obituary, he was known for his quiet personality and strong leadership on the field.

“Cooper was a shy, reserved, and soft-spoken young man who followed his own path,” his obituary stated. “On the field, he led by example, never taking a play off. When he spoke, his words were either wise or funny.”

His sister, Ashlynn Taylor-Lyles, shared heartfelt posts on Facebook, including a photo of herself with Cooper and their brother, Ethan. “My love will never waver. I will never question spirituality. I feel you all around and with me,” she wrote. In another post featuring a picture of the three siblings, she wrote, “Lyles trio forever.”

Instead of heading straight to college after graduation, Lyles decided to take a semester off to work and save money for his education. He had planned to start classes in January, aiming for a career in Fish and Wildlife. His family said he had a deep love for animals, especially his cats, Gator and Roscoe.

Lyles is survived by his mother, Aundrea Lyles; his father and stepmother, Jason and Andrea Lyles; his sister, Ashlynn Taylor-Lyles; and his brother, Ethan Lyles.

Emergency responders arrived at the Traffic Materials Supplier plant on Industrial Drive at 10:40 a.m. on December 2, where they pronounced Lyles dead at the scene. The company produces materials for road markings, according to its website.

A Celebration of Life service was held on December 8 at the St. Johns Agricultural Center. Many people from the lacrosse community, including St. Augustine High School’s lacrosse coach David Ott, Flagler College’s head men’s lacrosse coach Brian Duncan, and Shorter University Athletics head men’s lacrosse coach Jeff La Vangie, attended the service.

Lyles’ father, Jason, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community.

“His spirit and legacy will live on in all of our hearts and on the lacrosse field where he loved to be,” he wrote.