UPDATE: Thomas County Central graduate dies following crash

THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WALB) - Thomas County Central High School graduate Deontavis Jamario Cooper has died, according to school officials, following a crash in Leon County, Florida.

Cooper, known to many as “Big Coop,” graduated with the Class of 2026. Thomas County Central High School announced his death Sunday, May 24, in a social media post, sharing condolences for his family, friends, classmates and teammates.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened just before 11 p.m. Saturday on Thomasville Road near Amber Valley Drive in Leon County. Troopers said a sedan carrying three people traveled onto the shoulder, struck a culvert, became airborne and hit a utility pole before overturning. 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 was a standout football player for the Yellow Jackets and had signed to continue his football career at Tulane University.

Thomas County Central High School said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates and teammates during this difficult time.”

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.