Eagles WR Darius Cooper and Miss Pa. Meet with Family of Slain Trooper

The visit was part of Autism Acceptance Month at a local elementary school.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:19pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes and dissolved forms representing the raw energy and emotion of a football game. The image conceptually captures the meaningful connection between the Eagles players and the family of the fallen state trooper.An emotional illustration capturing the heartwarming meeting between Eagles players and the family of a fallen state trooper, a powerful display of community support during a time of tragedy.Philadelphia Today

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper and Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico visited Brandywine Wallace Elementary School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, to speak with students about kindness and acceptance. Before the school assembly, Cooper and Vespico also met with the family of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr., who was killed in the line of duty in March.

Why it matters

The visit provided comfort and support for the O'Connor family as they continue to mourn the loss of Corporal O'Connor, who was an Eagles fan. The Eagles organization has gone above and beyond to support the family during this difficult time.

The details

During the school visit, Cooper and Vespico spoke to hundreds of students about the power of kindness and acceptance as part of Autism Acceptance Month. Prior to the assembly, they also met with Corporal O'Connor's two children, Casey and Kenzie, as well as his widow, Casey. Casey described her husband as an Eagles fan and said the support from the team has meant a lot to her family.

  • The visit took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • Corporal O'Connor was killed in the line of duty in March 2026.

The players

Darius Cooper

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Victoria Vespico

The current Miss Pennsylvania.

Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr.

A Pennsylvania State Police officer who was killed in the line of duty in March 2026.

Casey O'Connor

The widow of Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr.

Casey and Kenzie

The two children of Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr.

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What they’re saying

“It was so exciting. It was just a blessing to be out here with the kids. They put a smile on my face.”

— Darius Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver

“We grew up going to the Vet, so meeting somebody from the Philadelphia Eagles is really special and important to us. Especially this time of our life.”

— Casey O'Connor, Widow of Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr.

“The Philadelphia Eagles have gone above and beyond, not only with this meet and greet but they actually sent us a personalized football yesterday that I got in honor of my husband. So, it was really sweet. We're very thankful.”

— Casey O'Connor, Widow of Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr.

“It always feels great to know that you have support and have someone to pick you up when you're down. Today was just amazing and it really blessed my heart and blessed my soul.”

— Darius Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver

What’s next

The Eagles organization plans to continue supporting the O'Connor family in the coming months as they grieve the loss of Corporal O'Connor.

The takeaway

This visit demonstrates the power of sports teams to provide comfort and support to local communities, especially in times of tragedy. The Eagles' outreach to the O'Connor family has been a meaningful gesture that has helped the family during their difficult time.