Overview
- The Florida Highway Patrol said a sedan veered onto the western shoulder, struck a culvert, became airborne, hit a utility pole and overturned, and Deontavis Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Two other occupants, the driver and a front-seat passenger, were taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition after the crash.
- Cooper had graduated from Thomas County Central High School earlier that day and was an incoming freshman who had signed with Tulane and planned to report for summer school and team activities.
- Coaches, teammates and Tulane officials posted tributes describing Cooper as a well-liked three-star prospect who helped his high school win the 2025 Georgia Class 5A title.
- Authorities say the crash remains under investigation; some local reports say Cooper was ejected but officials have not confirmed a cause such as speed, impairment or mechanical failure.