Prichard Colon has died aged 33, more than a decade after a devastating brain injury suffered during his 2015 fight against Terrel Williams. The Puerto Rican boxer collapsed after the bout and was later found to have a serious brain bleed. He underwent emergency surgery and spent 221 days in a coma. After leaving hospital in 2016, Colon needed constant care and could no longer walk or speak normally. His death comes after years of living with the effects of that injury. The exact medical cause of his death has not been publicly detailed by his family or doctors.
How did Prichard Colon die? Cause of death explored
Colón’s death followed the severe brain injury he suffered during his October 17, 2015 fight with Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia. During the bout, Colon complained about punches to the back of his head. A referee had also warned Williams about the illegal blows.
After the ninth round, Colon’s corner removed his gloves, believing the fight was over, and he was disqualified. He then became unwell in the dressing room, vomited and collapsed. found a large subdural hematoma, or bleeding around the brain. He needed an emergency hemicraniectomy to reduce pressure and remove the blood.
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There has been no public statement giving a separate, specific medical cause of death. The known link is to the serious brain damage Colon had lived with since the 2015 fight.
How did Prichard Colon’s health change after the injury?
The injury changed Colon’s life completely. He remained in a coma for 221 days before eventually leaving the in May 2016. He was left with major physical and speech problems and required round-the-clock care.
His family spent years caring for him. In 2017, his parents filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million from the ringside doctor and promoters over the circumstances surrounding the fight. Court records confirm the case was connected to the brain injury Colon suffered that night.
The boxing world paid tribute following his death. The WBO said: “A warrior until the very end.
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“The WBO family mourns the passing of Prichard Colon, whose courage, strength, and fighting spirit transcended the ring.
“His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family. Rest in peace, champion.”
Who was Prichard Colon? A look at his boxing career
Before the injury, Colon was regarded as a promising young boxer. He entered the Williams fight unbeaten and had won 16 professional bouts, including 13 by knockout. The loss to Williams was his first professional defeat.
His career ended at just 23, leaving him unable to continue the path he had started in . Eleven years later, Colón has died at 33, remembered not only for his time in the ring but also for the long fight that followed his career-ending injury.
