Who is Deontavis Cooper? 17-year-old college football prospect dies in tragic single-vehicle car crash in Florida

Deontavis Cooper, a 17-year-old football standout and Tulane University recruit, tragically died in a single-vehicle crash in Florida late Saturday night, according to a WCTV report citing Florida Highway Patrol. The crash happened shortly before 11 PM on Thomasville Road near Amber Valley Drive in Leon County. Authorities said three males were traveling south in a sedan when the vehicle veered onto the shoulder, struck a culvert, went airborne, and eventually crashed into a telephone pole. Cooper was pronounced dead following the accident, while the two other passengers, both 18 years old, were left in critical condition.

Cooper was an offensive lineman at Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, where he built a reputation as one of the school’s rising football talents. He helped lead the Yellow Jackets to two state championships during his high school career and had recently signed with Tulane University in December last year to continue his football journey at the college level.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, as reported by the outlet, the rear passenger died at the scene, while the driver and front passenger were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare in critical condition. The tragic accident has shocked the local football community, with many remembering Cooper not only for his talent on the field but also for the bright future he appeared to have ahead of him. Coaches, teammates, and supporters have shared tributes following the devastating news.


Thomas County Central High School football head coach Justin Rogers paid tribute to Cooper in a Facebook post following the teenager’s untimely death. Rogers said Cooper, affectionately known as 'Big Coop', was preparing to start the next chapter of his life at Tulane University next week before the fatal crash cut his journey short.

“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 said in a statement.

"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," Rogers further said.


The Thomas County School District also shared its condolences and extended support to Cooper’s family following the tragic loss.