A 17-year-old faculty soccer prospect died in a automotive crash late Saturday night time in Florida.
Deontavis Cooper was killed in a single-vehicle automotive crash in Leon County, whereas two 18-year-olds within the automotive have been left in important situation, based on WCTV.
Cooper was an offensive lineman at Thomas County Central Excessive Faculty in Thomasville, Ga., and was on observe to go to Tulane College.
He gained two state titles whereas taking part in for Thomas County Central.
The accident occurred simply earlier than 11 p.m. on Saturday after the sedan that Cooper was using in went into the shoulder, struck a culvert and went airborne earlier than finally putting a phone pole.
The automotive rolled over and ejected Cooper from the backseat.
Cooper was pronounced useless on the scene.
TCCHS soccer head coach Justin Rogers described Cooper in a Fb publish as somebody “who might mild up a room along with his smile” and who was “liked by so many.”
“There aren’t any phrases for the heartbreak we really feel at the moment,” Rogers wrote. “Large Coop was a type of uncommon younger males who might mild up a room along with his smile and make everybody round him really feel valued. He liked folks and handled others with kindness.
“We have been so excited to observe him start the subsequent chapter of his life at Tulane subsequent week and proceed pursuing his dream of taking part in faculty soccer. Whereas that dream was lower far too brief, the affect he made on his teammates, coaches, academics, buddies, and household will final perpetually.
“Large Coop was liked by so many, and he liked folks proper again. We’re higher as a result of all of us knew him.”
Cooper signed with Tulane in December, after additionally receiving provides from South Alabama, Cincinnati, UCF, Arkansas State and East Carolina.
Tulane soccer additionally launched a press release mourning the lack of Cooper, calling him somebody who “exemplified dedication, resilience, and a optimistic outlook.”
“His love for the sport and his unwavering work ethic confirmed in every thing he did, and he was on the trail to creating a major affect each on the sphere and throughout the group,” the assertion stated. “Deontavis was admired not just for his athletic capability but in addition for his kindness and real spirit. His vibrant character and heat coronary heart touched many, and his absence leaves a profound void in our hearts.
“In honoring Deontavis, allow us to keep in mind him for his extraordinary spirit, his kindness, and the enjoyment he delivered to these round him. He stays perpetually a valued member of the Tulane group.”
