Staff Report
Buda Animal Control officer Jonathon Coco, 25, and his brother Hunter Coco, 21, died June 20 in a vehicular accident while returning from assisting with a wildfire.
Both brothers were members of the Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department, with Jonathon serving since 2016 and Hunter for just over one year. Jonathan was also assistant chief.
Preliminary reports show that the brothers were returning from a wildfire on Texas Highway 20 outside of Lockhart when, at around 1:45 p.m., their brush truck struck a woman driving southbound on San Jacinto St. as she turned onto State Park Road.
The brush truck rolled over, killing Jonathon and Hunter, while the woman sustained minor injuries.
Lockhart Police, with the help of the Texas Department of Public Safety, are thoroughly examining what led to the crash, and issued a summons — similar to a citation — for failing to yield right-of-way for the woman.
According to a Buda Police Department statement, Jonathon was an integral part of the department for the past four years, serving beyond his role as animal control officer to a support person for Information Technology and vehicle operations.
“Jonathon was a friend to many and will be remembered not only for the roles he filled, but for the bright spirit and jovial demeanor he brought to the job every day,” the statement said.
Donations in support of Jonathon and Hunter can be made to Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 216, Maxwell, Texas 78656. Further arrangements and information will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
