Deontavis Cooper, a college football prospect set to make his NCAA debut at Tulane University in the fall, has died after being involved in a single-car crash in Florida on Saturday, May 23. He was 17.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of Deontavis Cooper’s passing, who tragically lost his life this weekend,” the Tulane football program said in a statement on Sunday, May 24. “He was a 2026 graduate of Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, and was set to join the football program.”
The statement continued, “As an incoming member of the Green Wave, Deontavis exemplified dedication, resilience, and a positive outlook. His love for the game and his unwavering work ethic showed in everything he did, and he was on the path to making a significant impact both on the field and within the community.”
The accident occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday night and also left two 18-year-old men in critical condition, according to local station WCTV. Cooper, an offensive lineman, was sitting in the back seat of the sedan, which traveled into the shoulder of the road and struck a culvert, sending it airborne and into a telephone pole.
The car rolled over and Cooper was ejected from his seat and pronounced dead at the scene.
“There are no words for the heartbreak we feel today,” his coach at Thomas County Central High School in Georgia, Justin Rogers, said in a post via Facebook on Sunday. “Big Coop was one of those rare young men who could light up a room with his smile and make everyone around him feel valued. He loved people and treated others with kindness.”
Rogers continued, “We were so excited to watch him begin the next chapter of his life at Tulane next week and continue pursuing his dream of playing college football. While that dream was cut far too short, the impact he made on his teammates, coaches, teachers, friends, and family will last forever.”
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Cooper signed with Tulane in June 2025, days after taking an official visit to the American Conference school in New Orleans. A consensus three-star prospect, he also considered offers from South Alabama, Cincinnati, UCF, Arkansas State and East Carolina, according to 247 Sports.
“In honoring Deontavis, let us remember him for his extraordinary spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to those around him,” Tulane’s statement concluded. “He remains forever a valued member of the Tulane community.”
