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Remembering Dr. Tyler Cooper

The president and CEO of Cooper Aerobics passed away from acute myeloid leukemia at 55 years old.


The fitness industry is mourning the death of Dr. Tyler Cooper, who passed away from acute myeloid leukemia on October 21. Tyler was the president and CEO of Cooper Aerobics and Cooper Clinic, the preventive medicine and wellness center founded by his father, Dr. Kenneth Cooper.

Known as an innovator who helped grow Cooper Aerobics into a globally recognized medical facility, Tyler was also an adventurer who climbed mountains on all seven continents and reached the summit of all 74 14,000-foot mountains in the contiguous US.

Besides leading the global expansion of Cooper Aerobics, Tyler worked closely with his father to continue advancing the science of incorporating fitness into preventive healthcare, strengthening the connection between the fitness industry and the broader medical community. Cooper Aerobics is an HFA member, and Tyler served on the HFA Medical, Science, and Health Advisory Council earlier this decade. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, 95, was recognized by HFA for his contributions to the field of preventive medicine and fitness and was inducted into the inaugural class of the HFA Hall of Fame in 2025.

“Tyler understood both the science behind physical activity and the important role our businesses and professionals play in improving people’s lives,” says Greta Wagner, interim HFA president and CEO. “He took great pride in the work his father began but also brought his own vision, leadership, and commitment to advancing the industry. The Cooper family means so much to our profession, and Tyler’s contributions will remain an important part of that history. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”

HFA’s Board of Directors, staff, and members around the world extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Kenneth and Millie Cooper; Tyler’s wife, Angie; their children, Clark, Lang, and Kai; the entire Cooper family; and his colleagues throughout the Cooper organization.

We honor Tyler’s life, his leadership, and his enduring commitment to advancing health through physical activity. He will be remembered for carrying his father’s legacy forward while establishing his own record of accomplishment. Their work has influenced generations of fitness professionals, club operators, and healthcare leaders around the world and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Cooper

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