Dallas Cook
Ryan Dallas Cook (June 5, 1982 – October 19, 2005), better known as Dallas Cook to his fans, was one of the two trombone players in third-wave ska band Suburban Legends until his death.
He was born on June 5, 1982. Dallas attended Huntington Beach High School from 1996-2000 where he was an active member of the high school marching band, of which he attributed his love of music and performing. Dallas channeled this love of music and performing into the band Suburban Legends where he was known not only for his choreographed dance routines with the other members of the band, but also his handstands, flips, balancing his trombone on the palm of his hand, and jumping on the shoulders of fellow band mate and best friend Brian Robertson. These antics, along with Dallas’ down-to-earth demeanor while talking with fans after shows, helped draw fans to Suburban Legends’ performances again and again.
He was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident on the Costa Mesa Freeway in Orange County, California at approximately 12:25 AM on October 19, 2005. His motorcycle collided with a Hyundai, and the driver of the Hyundai fled the scene after the accident. Dallas died on the scene.
On October 23, 2005 a large group of Suburban Legends fans and Dallas' friends and family gathered nearby the ESPN Zone at Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney, where the band played their many performances in the early 2000s, to share their memories about him. On November 29, 2005, former and current band members performed a benefit show for the Dallas Cook Memorial Fund, which was as set up in Cook's honor to donate money to the Huntington Beach High School instrumental music program. In addition, a memorial chair for Dallas was dedicated and placed in the auditorium of the school.
On April 4, 2006, police announced they had determined the identity of the driver who killed Dallas. Youn Bum Lee, an employee of Hyundai, fled the scene after striking Dallas with his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. After contacting his lawyers and showing the damage to associates, he fled to Korea. It is suspected that he is still currently located there.
External links
- Accident article from Orange County Register
- Link to article announcing Youn Bum Lee as a suspect
- Dallas' page on SuburbanLegends.com
Categories
1982 births | 2005 deaths | American trombonists | American punk rock musicians | California musicians | Road accident victims