Deontavis Cooper, a Tulane University signee who was set to report next week for his freshman year at the private, New Orleans school to begin his college football career, has died in a single-vehicle automobile crash in his native Georgia.
Cooper’s high school, Thomas County (Georgia) Central, announced Cooper’s passing with a memorial post on X (formerly Twitter). Multiple reports indicated that Cooper was involved in a single-automobile accident near his hometown of Thomasville, Georgia, that resulted in Cooper’s death and the hospitalization of two additional, unnamed passengers.
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“In Memory of Deontavis ‘Big Coop’ Cooper,” the school posted, with his date of birth (8-25-2008) and the date of the accident (Saturday, May 23).
“Forever a brother, forever a teammate, forever a friend. Forever a Jack Boy. Forever Perfect. Forever a champion. 77,”
Tulane athletics also paid tribute to the late 6-foot-3, 295-pounder, who was rated as a three-star prospect by CBS/247Sports and who had fielded more than 20 scholarship offers before he signed with first-year Tulane coach Will Hall’s program.
“As an incoming member of the Green Wave, Deontavis exemplified dedication, resilience, and a positive outlook,” the Green Wave said in a statement shared on both social media and the school’s official athletics website. “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.”Deontavis was admired not only for his athletic ability but also for his kindness and genuine spirit. His bright personality and warm heart touched many, and his absence leaves a profound void in our hearts.”In honoring Deontavis, let us remember him for his extraordinary spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to those around him. He remains forever a valued member of the Tulane community.”
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Cooper was a key part of Thomas County’s 2025 Georgia Class 5A State Championship that culminated with the team’s 61-21 win against Gainesville that closed out the program’s 15-0 campaign and seventh all-time Georgia High School Association state title.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tulane football signee Deontavis Cooper dies in crash
