Will Prichard Colon ever recover?

By Arslan Saleem May 02, 2024 13:25

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Prichard Colon, a former professional boxer, suffered life-changing injuries during a boxing match in 2015, resulting in a persistent vegetative state. His story is one of immense tragedy, resilience, and the enduring love and support of his family.

Despite the severity of his condition, there have been some signs of progress and ongoing efforts towards his recovery.

The Tragic Incident and Medical Condition

During a boxing match in 2015, Prichard Colon sustained severe injuries, including a left-sided subdural hematoma and midline shift, leading to emergency hemicraniectomy to reduce brain swelling and evacuate the hematoma.

This critical situation resulted in Colon falling into a coma for 221 days. Since then, he has remained in a persistent vegetative state, requiring full-time care from his mother, Nieves Colon, in Orlando, Florida.

The extent of Colon's injuries has left him with life-altering consequences, including the loss of his ability to speak and move independently. His mother has been documenting his journey, sharing videos that depict moments of joy and progress, such as his 31st birthday celebration where he was seen smiling while receiving a cupcake.

Despite the challenging circumstances, his family's unwavering support and his resilience have been evident in these videos, showcasing small but significant steps in his rehabilitation.

Ongoing Rehabilitation Efforts

Although Colon's condition remains severe, ongoing rehabilitation efforts have been underway to aid his recovery.

Keep your punching to the back of the head out of boxing please Thank Prichard Colon 🇵🇷🙌🏽😔 pic.twitter.com/Cv2BD6iT2J
— MelodyJoy (@beautynboxing) September 19, 2020

He has undergone occupational therapy at Brooks Rehabilitation in Orange Park, Florida, where specialists have been working to support his rehabilitation and improve his quality of life.

His mother has also shared videos of him participating in physical therapy and learning to communicate through a computer, indicating a determined effort towards his recovery.

Legal and Emotional Ramifications

The tragic incident prompted Colon's parents to file a lawsuit seeking damages from the ringside doctor and promoters for over $50 million, emphasizing the need for professional care and support for their son's condition.

As of 2019, the lawsuit had not been settled, and Colon's mother expressed concerns over the potential resolution of the case.

Terrel Williams, the boxer who fought Colon, has expressed remorse and concern for Prichard's well-being, stating that he prays for him every day and wishes him peace and health.

The Road Ahead for Prichard Colon

As of 2023, Prichard Colon has not regained his ability to speak, and his recovery remains an ongoing challenge.

Despite the severity of his injuries, his family's dedication to his care and the positive moments captured in the videos shared by his mother reflect a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity he faces.

The medical community continues to explore avenues for his rehabilitation, and the support from his family and the public has been instrumental in his journey.

The story of Prichard Colon is a poignant reminder of the profound impact of sports-related injuries and the resilience of the human spirit.

While the question of whether Prichard Colon will ever fully recover remains unanswered, the unwavering support of his family, the ongoing rehabilitation efforts, and the small victories captured in videos provide glimpses of hope and perseverance.

The road to recovery for Prichard Colon is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of love and support in the face of adversity.