Trempealeau Fair demolition derby commemorates Alma High senior who died by suicide

For most people attending the demolition derby at the Trempealeau County Fair last weekend, Saturday night was about family fun, spraying mud and drivers crashing and crunching their way to trophies and cash prizes.

But for one family it was also about love and raising awareness for mental health and suicide, something that has changed their lives forever.

Cody Tucker died by suicide in February, four months before the Trempealeau County Fair demolition derby. Tucker talked about wanting to drive in the derby for many years, and he had the date circled on his calendar.

“It meant everything to him,” Tucker’s mother, Jana said of demolition derbies in a conversation with the Times. “He went to all the derbies he could and even went to Topeka, Kansas with them in November for a blizzard bash.”

Tucker was a hardworking, respectful young man who was finishing his senior year at Alma High School when he died, his mother said. But he also made sure to have fun, something that could be seen in his “one of a kind” personality, she said.

One favorite memory for Jana—and one that was worth bragging rights for Cody—came at the Kansas derby, where he chugged a bottle of ranch dressing on national television and also competed in a mullet contest.

Cody was supposed to compete at the Trempealeau County Fair for the first time this year. Instead on Saturday those closest to him spoke about the 18 year old to a crowd that packed the grandstands and hoisted children on their shoulders.

It was the family’s second derby since Cody’s death, his mother said. The derby family has continued to reach out and check in on the Tuckers, and she feels their support.

“It’s so heartwarming how much people care. I never thought I would get so much help and support from such a small community.”

The money from Saturday’s event will be split between Hope 4 U—a suicide prevention and awareness nonprofit based in Mondovi—and the Trempealeau County Humane Society. Each organization will receive about $1,250, according to estimates from Tucker.

She said her son loved animals and loved being around his derby family even more.

Despite demolition derby being an uncommon hobby, Tucker believes it changed her son’s life for the better. She was glad to see Trempealeau County appreciate it last weekend, too.

“It was really heartwarming to see such a small community come together with such a great cause, it was really touching,” she said.

“He truly loved the derby family. He loved being there, and everybody that I've met through the derby family has been amazing and I can't even explain how much they have helped us through this time. It’s such a great feeling being around these people."