India, May 25 -- Deontavis Cooper, a talented football prospect who had recently signed with Tulane Green Wave football, died Saturday night following a devastating car crash in northeast Tallahassee. The 17-year-old had graduated earlier that same day from Thomas County Central High School before the fatal accident occurred.

Officials said Cooper was riding in the back seat of a sedan involved in a single-vehicle crash on Thomasville Road near Chiles High School around 10:55 PM local time.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle veered onto the western shoulder, struck a culvert and became airborne before crashing into a utility pole and overturning.

Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said the driver an...