Deontavis Cooper died after sedan overturns in Tallahassee Rd accident

clock Created with Sketch Beta. May 25, 2026
Deontavis Cooper died after sedan overturns in Tallahassee Rd accident

TALLAHASSEE, FL, (May 23, 2026) – A 17-year-old recent high school graduate and Tulane University football recruit tragically lost his life Saturday night in a single-vehicle crash in Tallahassee.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Deontavis Cooper was a back-seat passenger in a southbound sedan traveling on Thomasville Road at approximately 10:55 p.m. when the vehicle veered onto the western shoulder.

Investigators said the sedan struck a culvert and became airborne before colliding with a utility pole and overturning on the shoulder.

Cooper, a graduate of Thomas County Central High School in Georgia, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 18-year-old driver and another 18-year-old passenger suffered critical injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Known to friends and teammates as “Big Coop,” Cooper was remembered for his positive attitude, caring personality, and dedication both on and off the field.

Thomas County Central High School released a statement expressing condolences to Cooper’s family, friends, classmates, and teammates, while Tulane University praised his resilience, work ethic, and commitment to the game.

Incident Location


FATAL SINGLE-VEHICLE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Authorities continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash. Investigators will examine whether factors such as speeding, distraction, or driver overcorrection contributed to the wreck. In some cases, motorists may lose control while attempting to avoid obstacles or animals on the roadway.

Along with the efforts of law enforcement, Candice Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney, said cases like this often require a prompt independent investigation by a seasoned attorney to help protect the rights of victims’ families.

“Time is of the essence, and families of victims must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News. “An attorney will thoroughly evaluate all possible contributing factors to the crash and has the resources to hire expert witnesses, review driver histories, locate witnesses, and examine applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can compassionately guide a family through this difficult process while protecting their legal rights and best interests.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 38,800 people died in motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2019.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Deontavis Cooper may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic accident such as this one.

“The emotional pain and stress after losing a loved one in a crash can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand the hardships families face during these difficult times, and protecting their legal rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney can remain informed about the official investigation and help ensure that the family’s best interests and rights are protected.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found on this page

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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