A recruiting call, a bright future — and a loss no one saw coming
Deontavis Cooper, an incoming freshman offensive lineman for Tulane football, tragically died in a car accident shortly after graduating high school. His assistant coach, Kanan Ray, fondly recalled Cooper's infectious personality and passion for football. The accident occurred just before Cooper was set to begin summer school and football workouts at Tulane.
- ▪Deontavis Cooper was killed in a single-vehicle crash on May 25, 2026.
- ▪He had just graduated from Thomas County Central High School two days prior to the accident.
- ▪Cooper was set to join Tulane's football program as part of the 2026 recruiting class.
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