A buddy with whom I play hockey told me he hit a deer last week. Smashed in his grill, took out the radiator, etc. He was able to drive the car home but the next day it would turn over but not start. It sounded like he lost all his coolant. No other apparent engine damage or strange noises.

Would the computer keep the car from starting it if recognized it had no coolant? Other guesses?

 

No, the car will start and run with or without coolant.
Is the car cranking? or cranking and not starting?

 

First, why would he be trying to start the car when he hasent even fixed the problem yet? Sounds like he wants to cause more damage to his car...

Check the three things you need for the car to run: Spark, fuel, and air

An air box cloged with deer guts and fur would cause your car not to start. If you dont have fuel, then it could be pump, relay ect...
If you have no spark you could have a broken timing belt or a bad crank sensor.
Another thing that could make a car not start would be pluged exaust but unless he hit the deer in reverse I dont think thats the case.