BOXER PRICHARD COLÓN DIED AT 33 AFTER 221-DAY COMA
Prichard Colón, the Puerto Rican boxer who spent 221 days in a coma after a 2015 fight, died at 33.
Colón, a former professional boxer, had his death announced on August 13, 2026, by his father, Richard Colón, in a Facebook post. The Independent reported that he died after suffering a brain injury.
“I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better place,” Richard Colón wrote on Facebook, ESPN reported.
The father also wrote about a wish he could not grant. He said he had been unable to take his son on the vacation to Puerto Rico that Prichard wanted.
“I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so deeply wanted, but it could not be done.”
The fight that changed everything
Colón’s life changed on October 17, 2015, when he fought Terrel Williams in a welterweight bout in Fairfax, Virginia, The Athletic reported.
He took repeated blows to the back of the head during the fight. ESPN reported that he was knocked down once.
Afterward, Colón vomited and collapsed in the dressing room, Al Jazeera reported.
He was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. He then underwent emergency brain surgery.
Years of care, then tributes
Colón spent 221 days in a coma. ESPN reported that after he emerged, he remained in a persistent vegetative state.
His family cared for him around the clock.
The Independent reported that he could not speak without computer assistance after he came out of the coma.
In his announcement, Richard Colón thanked the people who had supported the family through those years.
“Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers,” he wrote, The Ring reported.
The World Boxing Council and the World Boxing Association both paid tribute on X. ESPN reported that the groups called Colón “a true warrior.”
The World Boxing Organization also responded, saying it received the news of Colón’s passing “with profound sorrow.” The group offered its condolences to his parents, family and loved ones.
