Florida, USA, August 14, 2026 — Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón, who spent more than a decade in a persistent vegetative state after suffering severe brain injuries in the ring, has died at the age of 33.
Colón's father, Richard, confirmed the death. In a Facebook post, he wrote that he had done everything possible to fulfill his son’s wish of returning to Puerto Rico for vacations as much as he desired but could not.
Colón was living in Florida, where his family remained closely involved in his care for 11 years. He never regained the ability to speak or move independently after the injury.
The tragedy occurred in 2015 during a super welterweight bout against American Terrel Williams. Colón entered the fight with a perfect 16-0 record. During the contest, he complained about repeated blows to the back of his head. Williams was penalized a point for rabbit punching.
Colón went down twice in the ninth round. After the round, his corner removed his gloves, resulting in his disqualification. He later collapsed in the changing rooms and was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered a bleed on the brain.
