Cooper James Whiteside (38) of Danbury, Connecticut died on July 13, 2026 as the result of a motorcycle accident. Compounding this tragedy is the loss of Cooper’s friend and passenger at the time of the accident, Brittany Islami. Brittany leaves behind three young children, her mother, sister, and many other family and friends.

Cooper (“Coop”, as he was affectionately known) was born on June 22, 1988 in Danbury, the only child of James Whiteside and Sandy Griesbach. He was a 2007 graduate of Danbury High School and a 2016  graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Justice and Law Administration.

Coop was an abundance of talent. He was a musician (a skilled violinist and piano player), an outdoor enthusiast, certified rescue diver, a handy-man and an epic jokester. He developed a love early on for anything with a motor, including quads, boats, dirt bikes, jet skis, cars, and his treasured motorcycles. Throughout his teens and early 20’s, he held a multitude of jobs: lifeguard, baseball referee, tow truck driver, security guard, substitute teacher, bail bondsman, delivery driver, EMT, and more.

From a young age, Cooper dreamed of becoming a police officer. Over the years, he worked to gain experience in any way he could, including his service at the following volunteer Fire Departments: a firefighter with Stony Hill and Brookfield, and a captain-in-training and vice president with West Redding. In 2010, the Connecticut Chapter of the Red Cross honored Cooper and a colleague for saving a man’s life at Burying Hill Beach. Upon graduating from the Police Academy 3rd in his class, Coop was hired as a Bridgeport Police Officer, where he continued to tirelessly support his community and fellow officers. After only 2 years on the force, Cooper had made of himself an officer of distinction, never wavering in his purpose to serve and protect with integrity, humility, and compassion.

Cooper’s family is beyond grateful for the support of the Bridgeport Police Department, the West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, close friends Amanda Kilcran and Taryn Blasi, and the many relationships Cooper made that have spanned all walks of life.

Along with his parents, other survivors include his Uncles Henry and David Griesbach; his Aunts Janet and Deborah Griesbach; his cousins Sara, Benjamin and Hannah Griesbach; five nephews and nieces, and Cooper’s best friend, Brother-in-Blue and fellow Officer, Gary Douglas.

A Celebration of Life to honor and remember Cooper will be held on Friday, July 24th 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM at Walnut Hill Community Church (156 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel CT).

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Cooper’s life of service to consider a contribution to any of the following: the Bridgeport Police Cadets (300 Congress Street, Bridgeport CT 06604); the GoFundMe established for Brittany Islami’s children https://gofund.me/d3ea52f77. Additionally, mourners attending the service are welcome to bring a non-perishable food item (suggestions: baby formula, diapers, applesauce, toiletries, etc.) to donate to the Walnut Hill Community Church food pantry as another means of honoring Cooper’s legacy of caring for and protecting others in the community.