Prichard Colon dies at 33: Anger grows after Terrel Williams’ account targeted

Prichard Colon, a former professional boxer who suffered a severe brain injury in a 2015 bout, has died at age 33. His death has reignited controversy surrounding the fight, which took place in Fairfax, Virginia, and left him in a vegetative state requiring lifelong care. Colon's passing on August 13, 2026, has sparked renewed public scrutiny and online outrage directed toward his opponent, Terrel Williams, despite the lack of legal accountability assigned to him in previous investigations. Colon and Williams faced off on October 17, 2015, in a highly contentious match that ended in a disqualification victory for Williams. According to reports, Williams delivered illegal punches to the back of Colon’s head during the bout. Ringside doctor Richard Ashby examined Colon following a seventh-round incident, but the fight continued. The bout concluded when Colon’s corner mistakenly removed his gloves, believing the scheduled 10-round contest had ended. This led to Colon’s disqualification. Shortly thereafter, he collapsed in his dressing room, vomiting and becoming unresponsive. Emergency surgery was required due to brain hemorrhaging, and he fell into a coma lasting 221 days. From that point onward, he remained in a vegetative state, dependent on constant care. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation investigated the fight but found no actions serious enough to assign blame to a specific individual. A subsequent $50 million lawsuit filed by Colon’s parents in 2017 did not name Williams as a defendant, targeting instead the ringside doctor and the fight promoters. Despite this, the incident has continued to haunt both men. Williams, who withdrew from public life after the fight, reportedly closed his social media accounts in 2019 amid backlash. He expressed a desire to communicate with Colon’s family but believed they would not welcome contact. In the wake of Colon’s death, online users have turned their anger toward an unverified Instagram account they suspect belongs to Williams. While the account has not been confirmed as his, it has become a target for abusive messages. This resurgence of interest in the 2015 fight highlights the enduring impact of the event on both individuals and the broader public consciousness. Williams has addressed the consequences of the fight in past interviews, expressing regret and concern for Colon’s well-being. During a 2018 interview with The Ring, he stated he prayed for Colon daily and wished him peace and health. He acknowledged that the fight altered his life irreversibly and admitted he never intended to harm Colon. However, he has not issued a formal apology or accepted direct responsibility for the injuries sustained by his opponent. Williams' boxing career saw a hiatus following the 2015 incident, with a return in 2017. He secured victories in several bouts, including a notable comeback win against Rosemberg Gomez. His final professional fight occurred in 2019, where he lost to Thomas Dulorme via unanimous decision. Since retiring from the sport, Williams has maintained a low profile, avoiding public appearances and media engagement. Information regarding his current activities or location remains sparse, with no indication he has reentered the boxing world or assumed a prominent role in the sport. Colon’s death has once again placed the 2015 fight under intense examination, though the exact cause of his demise has not been officially disclosed. His family and medical team have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding his passing. As discussions continue, the legacy of the fight remains a focal point, underscoring the profound and lasting effects of the event on all involved.