On a warm evening in Tallahassee, the streets near Chiles High School became the site of a devastating single‑vehicle crash that claimed the life of 17‑year‑old Deontavis Jamario Cooper, known to friends and teammates as “Big Coop.”
A Community in Mourning
The accident, reported by the Florida Highway Patrol at about 10:55 p.m., occurred on Thomasville Road just as Cooper was celebrating his graduation from Thomas County Central High School, a milestone that marked the beginning of his promised football career at Tulane University.
Coach Justin Rogers, who had watched Cooper grow from a freshman into a standout player, described him as a rare young man who could light up a room with his smile, emphasizing that the teenager’s kindness and dedication were as notable as his athletic talent.
The news rippled through the school community, prompting an outpouring of grief; teachers, classmates, and local residents gathered to offer thoughts and prayers for Cooper’s family, while the broader Tallahassee area prepared to mourn a bright spirit that had touched many.
A Future on the Field
Two other occupants of the vehicle were left critically injured, their conditions unknown as emergency responders worked through the night to stabilize them.
Tulane officials later issued a statement remembering Cooper for his resilience, positive outlook, and the genuine spirit that had endeared him to teammates and professors alike.
A Legacy That Endures
Friends recall his infectious laugh, his willingness to help anyone in need, and the way he approached every practice with a work ethic that inspired those around him. Though his time on the field was cut short, the imprint of Cooper’s generosity and enthusiasm will linger in the hallways of Thomas County Central and on the fields of Tulane, reminding teammates and rivals alike of the kind of character that transcends statistics.