ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — The WALB sports team is remembering the Thomas County Central High School 2026 graduate and football player who was killed following a car crash Saturday, May 23.

Deontavis Cooper ‘Big Coop’ was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Leon County just before 11 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Cooper, who was a backseat passenger, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Two other people were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Cooper signed with Tulane University on National Signing Day in December 2025. The 18-year-old offensive lineman was a part of the program’s 2023 and 2025 Class 5A State Championship titles, including an undefeated senior year season.

>> READ MORE: National Signing Day brings record numbers for South Georgia high schools <<

WALB News Ten Sports Director, Aaron Meaux, said as someone who has watched the star athlete grow, the news of his passing was heartbreaking to hear.

“Morgan [Jackson] and I have been with WALB for four years,” Meaux said. “And we met Big Coop years ago when he was just getting into high school, winning state championships with Thomas County Central and becoming a young man.”

WALB Multimedia Journalist, Morgan Jackson, said she remembers Cooper by his infectious smile.

“...He was always smiling, the biggest, brightest, white teeth, all 32, every time he spoke, every time he saw him,” she said. “If I knew he was going to pass, I would have hugged him twice. If on Wednesday I knew that was going to be my last time seeing him, I just would have told him how proud I was of him. And how much of an impact he had on my life and everyone’s life around him.”

Cooper was recently named WALB Offensive Line of the Year along with his teammates during the WALB Locker Room Report Awards. The sports department said the relationship between the athletes and reporters often goes beyond covering the game.

“I think we spend so much time around these teams and these athletes, we start to look at them, I know I do, as like our own,” he explained. “I go to the games; I’m rooting for them like they were my own son... There are no words to really put in what it makes you feel other than sad.”

Tulane University posted on the social media platform X, stating how Cooper was set to join the Green Wave program the week after his passing. The university released a full statement about the loss:

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of Deontavis Cooper’s passing, who tragically lost his life this weekend. He was a 2026 graduate of Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, and was set to join the football program.

As an incoming member of the Green Wave, Deontavis exemplified dedication, resilience, and a positive outlook. His love for the game and his unwavering work ethic showed in everything he did, and he was on the path to making a significant impact both on the field and within the community.

Deontavis was admired not only for his athletic ability but also for his kindness and genuine spirit. His bright personality and warm heart touched many, and 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. He remains forever a valued member of the Tulane community."

One family has confirmed the identity of 18-year-old Jamarion Fye as being inside the car with Cooper. The family said he was also a Thomas County Central graduate. The family created a GoFundMe for his recovery.

Jamarion Fye GoFundMe

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• UPDATE: Thomas County Central graduate dies following crash
• FHP: One dead, two in critical condition following single-vehicle crash in Leon County

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