Cooper Woodrome fatally killed in Vidor chain-reaction DUI collision

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 29, 2026
Cooper Woodrome fatally killed in Vidor chain-reaction DUI collision

VIDOR, TX, (April 24, 2026) – A three-year-old child was tragically killed and his mother seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash involving an alleged impaired driver Friday night in Vidor.

According to authorities, the collision occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of Highway 12 near Evangeline Drive, about 12 miles northeast of Beaumont. Investigators said the crash involved three vehicles, though additional details about how the collision occurred have not yet been released.

Cooper Woodrome, 3, was transported to CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth hospital in Beaumont, where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. His mother, Katelynn Ann Woodrome, suffered serious injuries and was also taken for medical treatment.

Officials identified one of the drivers as Joseph Frank Green, 56, of Vidor. Authorities determined that Green was intoxicated at the time of the crash. He was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter and booked into the Orange County Jail.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help Cooper’s family with funeral expenses and to assist his mother with medical costs.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Incident Location


FATAL DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The tragic loss of Cooper highlights the ongoing dangers associated with impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people die each day in the United States due to drunk-driving crashes, averaging one death every 50 minutes. Annually, more than 10,000 lives are lost in such incidents.

An independent investigation will be necessary to identify any additional contributing factors, including the results of tests conducted to determine the blood-alcohol content of Green.

Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, commented on cases like this.

“Separate from criminal proceedings, a victim’s family may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News. “Along with the work conducted by law enforcement, an attorney can re-examine key witnesses, review any available surveillance footage, and obtain phone and texting records from the liable party. Acting as an advocate, an attorney can help guide grieving families through this difficult time while safeguarding their legal rights and ensuring accountability.”


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Cooper Woodrome may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

“An incident may be classified as a wrongful death when a negligent or wrongful act leads to a person’s passing,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “When fatal crashes are caused by reckless behavior such as impaired driving, speeding, or distraction, families are often left with the option to pursue legal action against the responsible party.”

Additionally, Katelynn Ann Woodrome may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages for medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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