GUERNSEY – An infectious smile, the love of life and the thrill of turning anything the outdoors could throw at her into a challenge to overcome and enjoy, Madison Cook was someone people remembered and enjoyed being around.
Her “auntie Jasmine” Betters described her as “magical.” This down-home, Wyoming-grown young woman was full of life and had a contagious smile that had a memorable impact on those she was around – even strangers.
But as a result of domestic violence, the 21-year-old certified tattoo artist had her life tragically cut short three years ago, in April 2021.
The family wanted to turn their shock and sorrow from losing their “Maddie Girl” into a way to “have a fun and happy day to remember Maddie,” while doing something she would have loved. That first random Saturday in July, Madison’s family and close friends held a raft trip, making a stop at her favorite spot along the way – private land that is a natural spot to get on and off the river, but undeveloped and overgrown with grass and bushes. With the support of the Fredericks family, who own the land along the river at that point, the family and friends have cleared the brush, planted a sunflower garden, posted a sign, and hauled in sand and gravel to create a beautiful and relaxing beach in Madison’s memory. Perfect for the now-annual event to remember her and celebrate her love of life while emphasizing the need to help each other; to reach out and talk to people – even strangers – to let them know three are people who care, and who would be willing to help if needed.
“All these people – if they would have known her, they would celebrate her. She was a most beautiful soul,” Betters said. “She loved mud racing, hunting, fishing, she was so happy. I would not change one thing about her – you would just love her.”

Betters came with her husband and their five kids and some friends. They decorated a fishing boat with sunflowers, Maddie’s favorite flower. “We want to spread the word to let these young girls know, there are people who are willing to help when needed. Maddie was a beautiful girl who gave up her life to get the word out. Her legacy lives on.”
“Today, we remember our blue-eyed girl. She would take anything in nature and make it fun. She liked to hunt, fish, ride, play in the mud. If it was dirty, cheap, and rewarding, she loved it – yes, I just described mud racing,” Stacey Cook, Madison’s mom, said as she addressed the crowd at Saturday’s Madison Cook Memorial Raft-Off held at Madison Beach near Guernsey. “We encourage you to be like Madison – remember the beauty of the sunflower, the warmth of the sand, the coolness of the water. [Take time to be with your family, sharing stories and relationships built on memories.]”
“That’s why we’re here. Her legacy lives long in our hearts and memory,” Stacey said. “I encourage you to reach out to others in danger of domestic violence. Turn to a stranger and talk to each other. Maybe you can be the light they needed today.”
This year, the raft-off began at Madison’s Beach, and groups floated down-river to the Whalen Dam, where Maddie’s grandfather, Brad Cook of Guernsey, cooked for everyone.
“I really want to thank the Frederick family for allowing us to develop this beach. It’s their private property and they have let us do this as long as we are respectful of the land. They have been very supportive,” Brad said. He reminded everyone to make sure to pick up the trash and keeping cigarettes contained and disposed of properly – both during the event and anytime they are at Madison Beach year-round.
The memorial event has grown every year – there were easily over a hundred people participating this year. Several heard about the raft-off from a friend or relative and wanted to participate. There were people from Torrington, Veteran, Gering, Wheatland, Cheyenne, Laramie, Douglas, Casper, and – of course – Guernsey. Some had floated in previous years, while there were a few who were on their maiden voyage along the North Platte River. There was also a 50-50 raffle, a raffle for a custom AR15 Spikes Tactical rifle with a Bushnell Scope, a Mag-pull stock, and a picture of Maddie on the gun clip. There was also a live auction for a four-person bowfishing trip and an authentic Bronco’s helmet signed by Todd Willams, a Broncos outside linebacker, and Madison Cook Raft-Off themed shirts were sold. All proceeds gathered at the event go to the Madison Beach Preservation Fund, which is also used to maintain other beaches along the North Platte River outside Guernsey.
Brad said next year, he will plan for more food, and wanted to emphasize thanks to everyone for coming to celebrate Maddie, to the Frederick family for their generosity, and to WyoPots of Wheatland for donating port-a-potties for the event at Whalen Dam.
Stacey echoed thanks to everyone for their outpouring of love and support with labor, food, and donations to make the raft-off possible.