Tulane University is grieving the loss of incoming offensive lineman Deontavis Cooper, who died Saturday night in a single-vehicle crash in the Tallahassee area. Cooper, 17, had celebrated his graduation from Thomas County Central High School earlier that day and was scheduled to report to Tulane's football program this week. Two other people in the car were rushed to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Authorities say the crash remains under investigation.
Tulane's athletics department honored Cooper in a statement on the program's website, writing, "We mourn the passing of Deontavis Cooper" and extending sincere condolences to his family and friends. Tulane Athletics remembered his commitment to the game and described him as a valued member of the Green Wave community before he ever set foot on campus.
Crash details and investigation
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the wreck happened just before 11 p.m. on Thomasville Road near Amber Valley Drive. A southbound sedan left the western shoulder, hit a culvert, went airborne, struck a utility pole, then rolled, WCTV reported. Cooper, riding in the back seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and front-seat passenger were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare in critical condition. Troopers say the crash is still under active investigation.
From Thomasville to Tulane
Cooper was a 2026 graduate of Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, and had signed to play football at Tulane. Recruiting services listed him as an interior offensive lineman at about 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds. ESPN carries his recruiting profile, and national coverage highlighted his role on Thomas County Central’s 2025 Class 5A state championship team. USA TODAY covered his signing and the community’s excitement over his future in New Orleans.
Community reaction
Thomas County Central head coach Justin Rogers wrote on Facebook that Cooper, affectionately known as "Big Coop," was a bright presence whose influence on teammates and classmates would endure, according to WCTV. The Thomas County School District also issued condolences as friends, classmates, and supporters shared memories and tributes across social media.
Local and national outlets have continued to follow the story while authorities work through the details of the crash. Tulane said it will support Cooper's family and the football program as they navigate the loss. FOX 8 reported on the university's statement and the broader reaction in the Tulane community.
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