Prichard Colon dies at 33: Anger grows after Terrel Williams’ account targeted
The Puerto Rican fighter died 11 years after suffering a subdural hematoma in a 2015 bout against Terrel Williams.
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What to know
- Colón, a 16-0 undefeated Puerto Rican boxer, suffered a subdural hematoma after repeated illegal punches to the back of his head in an October 2015 bout against Terrel Williams.
- He spent 221 days in a coma and never fully recovered, living the next 11 years in a vegetative state requiring round-the-clock care and computer-assisted communication.
- His parents filed a $50 million lawsuit in 2017 alleging the ringside physician failed to intervene despite Colón's complaints of pain and dizziness from illegal punches.
- Colón's death on August 13, 2026, at age 33 has prompted the boxing community to reflect on the sport's safety protocols and the dangers of illegal punches.
How it unfolded
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Colón died on Thursday, August 13, 2026. His father Richard confirmed the death on Facebook, expressing gratitude for years of prayers and noting his efforts to fulfill his son's wish of vacationing in Puerto Rico.
“I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he is in a better world.”
Richard Colón, Prichard's father · Newswires ↗ -
Boxing organizations and fighters paid tribute to Colón, remembering him not only for the tragedy of his final fight but also for his courage and the strength demonstrated by his family throughout his years of medical care.
“A true warrior in every sense of the word, Prichard left us with profound lessons about life, resilience, and our sport.”
Boxing community tribute · Newswires ↗ - 502 weeks quiet
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Colón's parents sought more than $50 million in damages, alleging that ringside physician Dr. Richard Ashby failed to act despite Colón indicating pain from illegal punches and reporting dizziness in Round 7.
- 34 weeks quiet
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After 221 days in a coma, Colón regained consciousness but remained in a vegetative state. He was unable to speak without computer assistance and could not live independently, requiring extensive around-the-clock family care.
- 29 weeks quiet
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The severity of Colón's brain injury left him in a prolonged coma that lasted 221 days. His family spent months hoping for signs of recovery while doctors treated the devastating consequences.
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After returning to his dressing room, Colón became dizzy, vomited, and collapsed. He was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and underwent emergency brain surgery to remove the hematoma and relieve pressure.
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During his undefeated record fight against Terrel Williams at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, Colón was repeatedly struck with illegal punches to the back of his head. Referee Joe Cooper penalized Williams but the fight continued. In the ninth round, Colón was knocked down by a punch to the back of the head, and his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, leading to his disqualification.
“Colon complained about illegal punches landing behind his head during the bout.”
Terrel Williams bout account · Newswires ↗
What people are saying verbatim
“I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he is in a better world.”
Richard Colón, Prichard's father and former trainer · Facebook ↗ · Aug 12
“I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as much as he desired, but couldn't.”
Richard Colón, Prichard's father · Facebook ↗ · Aug 12
“A true warrior in every sense of the word, Prichard left us with profound lessons about life, resilience, and our sport. The entire boxing community mourns this heartbreaking and significant loss.”
Boxing community, Official tribute · Yahoo Sports ↗ · Aug 12
“Colon complained about illegal punches landing behind his head during the bout. Referee Joe Cooper finally deducted a point from Williams in Round 7 for the infraction.”
Yahoo Sports, Sports reporter · Yahoo Sports ↗ · Aug 12
“He was left with profound neurological disabilities. He could not return to boxing, could not live independently and required extensive assistance with everyday activities.”
USA Housing Information, Coverage source · USA Housing Information ↗
“Although he made limited progress during rehabilitation and was learning to communicate through a computer, he required around-the-clock care for the remainder of his life.”
Yahoo Sports, Sports reporter · Yahoo Sports ↗ · Aug 12
The conversation unedited, verbatim
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- Today
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Prichard Colon dies at 33: Anger grows online as Terrel Williams’ alleged Instagram account is targeted https:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sp orts/international-sports/prichard-colon-dies-at-33-anger-grows-online-as-terrel-williams-alleged-instagram-account-is-targeted/articleshow/133248594.cms?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub…
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https://www. europesays.com/us/1000267/ Boxer Prichard Colón dies at 33, 11 years after receiving illegal blow to the head during fight # Sports # UnitedStates # UnitedStates # US
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Primo piano ANSA - ANSA.it: Pugilato: morto il portoricano Prichard Colón, finì in coma per colpi illegali Ha vissuto 11 anni su una sedia a rotelle Boxing: Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died, falling into a coma from illegal blows. He lived 11 years in a wheelchair. # PuertoRican # PrichardColón https://www. ansa.it/sito/notizie/sport/202…
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Prichard Colon: Dies 11 years after suffering brain injury during fight https://www. bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/article s/cg7m45ze27mo?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Top Stories @ top-stories-BBCNews
- Yesterday
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Professional boxer Prichard Colón dies at 33, years after career-ending fight injury Former professional boxer Prichard Colón has died after a long health battle years after suffering an injury from a professional fight, according to Remezcla. https://www. fox4news.com/news/professional…
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What Happened to Prichard Colon? Boxing Tragedy, Brain Injury and His Final Years What happened to Prichard Colon? Learn about his 2015 brain injury, decade-long recovery and death at age 33 in 2026. https:// usahousinginformation.com/what -happened-to-prichard-colon/