Prichard Colón, the Puerto Rican boxer whose life was forever altered by a catastrophic 2015 brain injury, has died at 33.

His father confirmed the news in a deeply emotional Facebook post, thanking supporters for “so many years of love and prayers” and revealing the family had tried—and failed—to fulfill Colón’s dream of returning to Puerto Rico one last time.

Prichard Colón Dead at 33: What We Know

Richard Colón announced his son’s passing early Thursday, writing in Spanish that Prichard had “left this earthly world” and was now “in a better world.”

In his Facebook post, the boxer's father wrote: “Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better place. I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so deeply wanted, but it could not be done. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”

Before the injury that changed everything, Colón was considered one of Puerto Rico’s brightest rising stars. He entered the professional ranks in 2013 and quickly built a 16‑0 record, earning attention for his speed, power, and relentless schedule.

His amateur résumé was equally impressive: five national titles and a gold medal at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.

That trajectory ended on October 17, 2015, during an undercard fight against Terrel Williams in Virginia. Colón repeatedly complained to the referee about illegal punches to the back of his head—blows that are banned because of their risk of severe neurological damage.

Despite his warnings, the fight continued. After a ninth‑round knockdown and confusion in his corner, Colón was disqualified. Minutes later, he vomited, collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital with a 1.5‑centimeter subdural hematoma and significant midline shift.

This story is breaking. More to follow.