Tulane signee – Deontavis Cooper, a Tulane University signee set to begin his freshman football career, died in a single-vehicle automobile crash in his native Georgia. Thomas County (Georgia) Central announced the death, and multiple reports said two other passengers were ho
Deontavis Cooper had been planning his first steps at Tulane next week. By Saturday night in Georgia, his family and football community were instead gathering around a different kind of news: the Tulane University signee’s death after a single-vehicle crash near his hometown of Thomasville.
Cooper’s high school, Thomas County (Georgia) Central, posted a memorial on X (formerly Twitter) announcing his passing. The post included his date of birth, 8-25-2008, and the date of the accident: Saturday, May 23.
In the school’s tribute, Thomas County Central called Cooper “Deontavis ‘Big Coop’ Cooper,” and wrote, “Forever a brother, forever a teammate, forever a friend. Forever a Jack Boy. Forever Perfect. Forever a champion. 77,” using the number as a final, personal signature.
Multiple reports said Cooper was involved in a single-automobile accident near Thomasville, Georgia, that resulted in his death and the hospitalization of two additional passengers. Those passengers were not identified.
Cooper was 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, and he entered Tulane’s program as a three-star prospect rated by CBS/247Sports. Before he signed with first-year Tulane coach Will Hall’s program, he had fielded more than 20 scholarship offers.
Tulane athletics released a statement honoring him, shared on social media and on the school’s official athletics website. The Green Wave said Cooper “exemplified dedication. resilience. and a positive outlook. ” and added that his “love for the game and his unwavering work ethic showed in everything he did. ” describing him as being “on the path to making a significant impact both on the field and within the community.”.
The statement also reflected on Cooper’s character. “Deontavis was admired not only for his athletic ability but also for his kindness and genuine spirit,” it said, adding that his “bright personality and warm heart touched many,” and that 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,” Tulane concluded. “He remains forever a valued member of the Tulane community.”
Cooper was also part of Thomas County’s 2025 Georgia Class 5A State Championship run. The team capped a 15-0 program season with a 61-21 win against Gainesville. closing out the program’s 15-0 campaign and seventh all-time Georgia High School Association state title. For those who watched his high school career build toward that final game. his death has landed as a sudden rupture—one that turns a planned college debut into a long moment of mourning.
Deontavis Cooper Tulane football Georgia crash Thomas County Central Will Hall CBS/247Sports Thomasville high school football
Damn… single-vehicle crashes are the worst. RIP.
I saw this on X and my heart just dropped. It says Thomasville but I don’t even know where that is compared to Georgia schools, like is that near Atlanta? Hope the other passengers are okay.
Idk why they keep saying “Jack Boy” and “77” like it explains anything. If it was a single-vehicle crash doesn’t that mean he was speeding or drunk or something? Not trying to be rude, just… that’s usually how those go.
That poor kid was literally about to go to Tulane, like that’s such a big dream. The article says 6-foot-3 295 and had like 20 scholarship offers so yeah he was somebody. I don’t understand how it can be “near his hometown of Thomasville” and still be called Thomas County Central, like I get the school name but the geography part confuses me. Prayers for the family, and I hope they’re not dragging him into drama or whatever.