Trainer John M. Cooper killed in Texas plane crash

Trainer John M. Cooper and his son, Gavyn, died in a plane crash Thursday night shortly after taking off from Midland International Airport in Midland, Texas, according to a press release from Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico.

Cooper, who last weekend qualified a Quarter Horse for the Grade 1, $1 million Ruidoso Futurity, and Gavyn, 16, were the lone people on board the single-engine plane. Gavyn was a quarterback for Midland High School.

The crash, which happened at 7:20 p.m., is being investigated, according to the press release.

Cooper’s qualifier for the Ruidoso Futurity is Pj Splash of Joy. Other stakes horses for the barn include Mojo Perry, who is entered in Saturday night’s Juno Request at Remington Park.

Cooper is survived by his wife, Chassity, and a daughter, Callie.