Former Crow Creek High School Basketball Player and Coach Austin Cooper Kirkie Passes Away, Leaving Behind His Wife Crystal and Three Daughters

October 29, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 29, 2026

Stephan and Crow Creek, South Dakota, community is mourning the untimely death of beloved former athlete and longtime basketball coach, Austin Cooper Kirkie.

Austin Cooper Kirkie passed away on October 21, 2026, at an untimely age, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.

Although the details surrounding the cause and manner of his passing have not yet been disclosed, Kirkie was suffering from diabetes for several years.

Cooper Kirkie, also known as Coop, touched the lives of many through his remarkable athletic skills and his contributions to the community as a member of various nonprofit organizations.

Born on March 27, 1984, in Crow Creek, South Dakota, Austin Cooper Kirkie began his athletic career from a very young age.

He played varsity basketball at Crow Creek High School and led his team to several victories.

While at Crow Creek High School, Kirkie was a member of A All All-State team, winning second place in 2002 and third in 2003.

Austin Cooper Kirkie further continued his athletic career at Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal College, where he was a significant player during the inaugural season of the men’s basketball program in 2017.

He was the team’s leader during the 2017 season, leading his team to nine victories and the 2017 AIHEC Division I National Championship.

Late Austin Cooper Kirkie Devoted His Life to Being a Basketball and Softball Coach

Although Austin Cooper Kirkie didn’t pursue a professional playing career, he continued to contribute to the sports community as a devoted coach, guiding many youth basketball players.

After graduating from Sisseton Wahpeton College, Cooper Kirkie began coaching basketball and softball at several youth clubs in Stephan, South Dakota.

Furthermore, he served as the head girls’ basketball coach at his alma mater, Crow Creek High School, during the 2026-22 season, leading his team to several victories.

He also coached several girls’ softball and basketball teams, including Plainzmen and Ponytracks.

In addition to his coaching journey, Austin Cooper Kirkie worked at the SWO Diabetes Prevention Program and Fitness Center and at the Veteran Memorial Youth Center.

His contribution to the South Dakota community as a dedicated athlete, coach, and social worker will always remain in the hearts of his loved ones.

Similarly, many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Austin Cooper Kirkie and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

One wrote:

“Austin Cooper Kirkie – Legend on the Court but most importantly one of the most genuine people you will ever meet.He truly cared for others, for all people he encountered. He was a lifter- a person who wanted those around him to feel good about themselves and who they were.”

Another added:

“Another terrible week for the players in Pierre’s City League basketball. Absolutely one of our best players & best men passed away. Austin Cooper Kirkie. He was a friend to everyone. Everyone. An absolute killer on the court…”

Austin Cooper Kirkie leaves behind his longtime wife, Crystal Pond Kirkie, three daughters, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the entire family.

Like Austin, his wife is also actively involved in sports, including basketball, and the couple has guided their daughters to become amazing athletes, too.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Late Austin Cooper Kirkie came from the Kirkie and Seaboy Tiwahe of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate.
  • Services will begin on Tuesday, October 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Akicita Mahto Gymnasium in Fort Thompson, SD, with supper first, followed by wake services.
  • Wake services will continue on Wednesday, October 29, also beginning with supper. The Christian burial will take place on Thursday, October 30, at 10:00 a.m. at Chieftain’s Gymnasium in Stephan, SD, with burial in the Cunkicakse Presbyterian Cemetery in Fort Thompson, SD.
  • Check other Articles on

Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

Related articles

May 8, 2026

May 7, 2026

May 6, 2026

May 5, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

    - May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...

    - May 11, 2026 Mortimer Jordan High School athlete Aiden Doss has passed away. Aiden Doss was a baseball player from Morris, Alabama, who attended Mortimer Jordan High School....

    - May 8, 2026 What was supposed to be a normal Saturday of youth football quickly became something no parent, coach, or child should ever have to witness....

    - May 7, 2026 Jordan Haas a student athlete at Chatham University, passed away on Monday. He majored in psychology and was a member of the men's volleyball...

    - May 7, 2026 A routine shopping trip at the Adairsville Cracker Barrel turned into a deeply disturbing scene recently when a local woman witnessed what she described...