Northwestern High Student Laid To Rest

Dontae John Cook, 16 of Mount Rainier and a junior at is remembered as outgoing, adventurous and always bringing smiles.

Cook, born Aug. 25, 1995 to Dania and John Cook, will be laid to rest this morning at National Harmony Hills Cemetery.

He earned honor roll this past quarter and his family said he had aspirations of attending Howard University after he graduated from high school, but those were cut short after .

Cook, also known as "Tae" by many of his schoolmates and friends, loved sports. He dominated the turf as the offensive, defensive linesman and running back for the Hyattsville/Mount Rainier /Brentwood Boys and Girls Club football team. For displaying outstanding athletic effort on and off the field he earned the 2010-2011 "Unsung Hero" award, family said.

Most importantly Cook had strong family values and loved bonding with his family, which often participated in Wiki matches and played board games. Cook learned how to master the Wiki and would be victorious in mostly all the games. Family members saw him as caring, loving and respectable.

Cook is survived by his mother and father; sister Dijon Cook; aunt Dina Williams; paternal grandmother Barbara Bolton; maternal grandparents Walter and Estelle Smith; cousins Andre, Danita, Delia, Kara, Keyline, Julia, Dania, Daniel, Destiny, Darius; great-great aunt Georgiana Black and a host of other relatives and friends.

 A trust fund to honor Cook’s memory is currently being set up. The fund will provide a safe and positive outlet for youth and assist families in dealing with the murder of loved ones.

A viewing will be held at 8:45 a.m. at New Horizon Christian Faith Church in Mount Rainier, with burial following.