Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón dies at 33 after a decade in vegetative stage
Colón suffered severe brain injuries in a boxing fight in 2015 and never recovered mobility or ability to speak.
Prichard Colón, Puerto Rican former professional boxer, has passed away at the age of 33, after a decade in vegetative stage due to injuries caused during a boxing match in 2015. He was hit repeatedly in the back of his head (an illegal blow) by Terrel Williams and suffered a subdural hematoma. After an emergency surgery, he spent 221 days in a coma and was left in a vegetative state, unable to speak; he later learned to communicate through a computer.
His father confirmed his death on Colón's Facebook page, as reported by The Ring. "Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the departure of my son Prichard from this earthly world, NOW HE IS in a better world. I did everything possible to fulfil HIS WISH, HIS DREAM of bringing him ON VACATION to Puerto Rico as he so desired, but IT COULDN'T BE DONE. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers."
Before his final fight on October 2015, Colón had a perfect record of 16 wins, 13 by KO between 2013 and 2015 (and 170-15 during his amateur career). In the fight against Terrel Williams, Colón was disqualified as his corner removed the gloves seeing him incoherent and experiencing dizziness, and collapses after leaving the ring. He didn't wake up for 221 days.
Despite attempts by the family, who filed a lawsuit against the doctor and promoters, the case never made it to trial.
World Boxing Organization (WBO) president Gustavo Olivieri stated that "Prichard's life was defined by courage, perseverance, and an extraordinary fighting spirit. His story transcended the ring and deeply touched the boxing community, which stood by him throughout the years with respect, admiration, and hope".
"Today, the WBO solemnly joins his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing, supporting, and loving him in mourning his passing. We offer our prayers for Prichard's eternal rest and ask God to grant his family strength, peace, and comfort during this time of profound sorrow."
