Former Boxer Prichard Colón Dies at 33, Family Announces
Colón’s father announced his death on August 13, nearly 11 years after the boxer sustained a catastrophic brain injury in his final professional bout. The family had not publicly disclosed a cause of death at publication time.
Former professional boxer Prichard Colón, whose career ended after he sustained a severe brain injury during a 2015 bout, has died at age 33, according to an announcement from his father and former trainer, Richard Colón.
Richard Colón shared the news on Thursday, August 13, 2026, thanked supporters for their prayers and support, and asked that the family continue to be kept in their thoughts. Boxing organizations and members of the sport subsequently published tributes.
The family had not publicly announced an official cause of death at the time this report was reviewed. Although Colón lived with profound disabilities after his 2015 injury, this article does not claim that the injury was the medically confirmed cause of his death.
A promising boxing career
Prichard Colón Meléndez was born in Florida and represented Puerto Rico during his boxing career. He won gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championships before turning professional in 2013.
Colón won his first 16 professional bouts, 13 by knockout. His record ultimately stood at 16 wins and one loss after his final contest ended by disqualification.
What happened in his final bout
On October 17, 2015, Colón faced Terrel Williams at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. During the contest, Williams landed blows to the back of Colón’s head. Such blows, commonly called rabbit punches, are prohibited under boxing rules. The referee deducted a point from Williams after one of the fouls.
Colón complained of dizziness after the fight and later collapsed in the dressing room. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed a subdural hematoma and performed emergency surgery.
The bout ended by disqualification after Colón’s corner removed his gloves following the ninth round, mistakenly believing the contest was over. Accounts of the fight and the medical response have since been examined in reporting and litigation; this article does not assign legal liability.
Years of care and rehabilitation
Colón remained in a coma for 221 days and required extensive care and rehabilitation afterward. His parents shared occasional updates about his therapy and daily life, drawing support from boxing fans around the world.
The World Boxing Council later recognized Colón as an honorary champion and promoted stricter enforcement against punches to the back of the head through a safety initiative bearing his name.
A continuing conversation about boxer safety
Colón’s case became an important reference point in discussions about the responsibilities of referees, ringside physicians, trainers and event organizers when a fighter reports dizziness or shows other signs of possible neurological injury.
Symptoms such as confusion, worsening headache, dizziness, vomiting, balance problems or loss of consciousness after a blow to the head require urgent medical assessment. This general safety information is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.
Remembering Prichard Colón
Tributes remembered Colón for his talent, resilience and the devotion shown by his family throughout his years of care. Connect TV Channel extends its condolences to his relatives, friends and supporters.
This report will be updated if the family or an authorized representative releases material new information, including an official cause of death.
Sources and verification
The death announcement is attributed to Colón’s father, Richard Colón, and was subsequently reported by multiple sports outlets. Historical details were checked against established reporting and boxing-organization records.
- New York Post — report citing Richard Colón’s announcement
- ESPN — background reporting on the bout, injury and family care
- Premier Boxing Champions — contemporaneous account of the 2015 bout
- World Boxing Council — Prichard Colón safety rule
Editorial and health note: The family had not publicly disclosed a cause of death when this article was reviewed. The story avoids graphic imagery, does not speculate about the cause and provides only general head-injury safety information—not a diagnosis.