Former Puerto Rican professional boxer Prichard Colon has died, more than a decade after suffering a devastating traumatic brain injury in the ring.
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Colon was 33 and had lived with the effects of severe brain damage since his controversial fight against Terrel Williams in 2015.
Before the bout changed his life, Colon had built an undefeated 16-0 professional record, including 13 victories by knockout.
An official cause of death has not been publicly announced at this time.
Boxer Dies More Than a Decade After Devastating Injury
Colon's father, Richard, announced his son's death in an emotional social media post on Thursday.
"Good morning, my people," he wrote. "I regret to inform you of the passing 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 much as he desired, but couldn't."
"Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers."
Colon had required around-the-clock care since suffering his life-changing injury during the 2015 bout at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
He had only turned professional in 2013 and appeared to have a promising career ahead of him.
During the fight against Williams, Colon absorbed multiple blows to the back of his head, an illegal area to strike in boxing.
Prichard Colon's Career Ended Following 2015 Fight
Later in the bout, officials deducted two points from Colon for a low blow before Williams knocked him down in the ninth round.
Colon's corner then removed his gloves, mistakenly believing the fight had ended. Officials subsequently disqualified him.
After returning to his changing room, Colon vomited and collapsed as concerns rapidly grew about his condition.
Medical personnel rushed him to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a subdural hematoma.
Colon underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure and swelling on his brain before falling into a coma that lasted 221 days.
After emerging from the coma, Colon remained severely disabled and required extensive assistance with everyday life. He was unable to communicate verbally without computer assistance.
His family continued to care for him around the clock in the years that followed.
In 2017, Colon's parents filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million in damages from the ringside doctor and organizations involved in the 2015 fight.
The case remained unresolved and never reached trial, with Colon's mother previously expressing doubts that the legal battle would ever reach a conclusion.
