MMA deaths

[GeneChing]

This needs an update

It’s a repost that popped up in my newsfeed this morning. Maybe there’s more to the series.

Death in the Ring: A look at deaths in mixed martial arts and kickboxing since '07
John Diedrich
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

This report was originally published Nov. 15, 2014. It is part of the series “Death in the Ring.”

At least 12 mixed martial arts fighters and kickboxers have died worldwide since 2007, competing in bouts or preparing for them, according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel review. Here is a look at the deaths.

October 2007: Mixed martial arts fighter Sam Vasquez is knocked out in the third round of a regulated fight in Houston, later dying of a subdural hemorrhage due to blunt trauma of the head.

June 2010: Michael Kirkham dies following a regulated MMA bout in South Carolina. The cause of death was subarachnoid hemorrhage of the brain.

July 2010: Kickboxer Adrienne Simmons dies after she was knocked out in a three-round bout in Orlando. A doctor was at the event, sponsored by the International Kickboxing Federation, but no ambulance. Simmons was wearing headgear. Reports did not list the cause of death.

August 2011: British kickboxer Mark Fowler dies in Australia. He collapsed after fighting five rounds and failed to regain consciousness. He died of head injuries.

December 2011: Mixed martial arts fighter Salvador Flamenco dies in Vancouver, Wash., from head injuries suffered in training bouts there.

April 2012: Mixed martial arts fighter Mike Mittelmeier dies in Bolivia in an unregulated bout. The cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage.

May 2012: Mixed martial arts fighter Dustin Jenson dies following an unregulated bout in South Dakota. Jenson watched the next fights before suffering a seizure. He died of subdural hemorrhage resulting from blunt force trauma to the head, related to an injury suffered a week earlier.

August 2012: Mixed martial arts fighter Tyrone Mimms dies following a regulated bout in South Carolina. Autopsy results were inconclusive.

April 2013: Mixed martial arts fighter Felix Elochukwu Nchikwo dies in Port Huron, Mich., in an unregulated bout. He had a cardiac arrhythmic disorder that caused his sudden death.

September 2013: Mixed martial arts fighter Leandro Souza of Brazil dies just before a weigh- in. He died in a sauna as he tried to cut 33 pounds in a week.

March 2014: Mixed martial arts fighter Booto Guylain dies in South Africa following complications resulting from a head injury experienced during a bout.

March 2014: Dennis Munson Jr. collapses and dies following his first kickboxing bout, which was unregulated, at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee. His brain was damaged, leading to organ failure, according to the autopsy.

[GeneChing]

Justin Thornton

[URL=“https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/justin-thornton-mma-death-knockout-b1932917.html”]
Justin Thornton: MMA fighter dies following 19-second knockout
Boxing experts have questioned how Thornton was allowed to go on fighting after suffering six straight first-round KOs

Bevan Hurley
21 hours ago

MMA fighter Justin Thornton has died aged 38, several months after he suffered a 19-second knockout in bare-knuckled boxing bout.

The fighter was taken to hospital following a heavyweight fight with Dillon Cleckler in Mississippi, in which he was knocked unconscious.

Announcing his death, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship president David Feldman said: “This morning we were very saddened to be notified of the passing of one of our fighters, Justin Thornton, who competed at BKFC-20 on August 20, 2021.

Justin Thornton died after being knocked out in a bare-knuckle fight
(Facebook)

“We join the rest of the combat sports community in sending our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

No cause of death has been officially released, although his opponent Dillon Cleckler said it was from pneumonia.

On 23 September, a woman named Amber Willard who identified herself as Mr Thornton’s “on-off partner” of seven years posted an update on his condition on his personal Facebook page.

Ms Willard said he’d been left paralysed after the fight, and was on a ventilator, an IV for a lung infection and medication for an injury to his spinal cord.

Mr Thornton was a veteran of 24 MMA fights, and had an 6-18 win-loss record.

He had previously fought UFC heavyweights Chase Sherman and Walt Harris, and last won a fight in 2016, suffering five straight first-round defeats since then.

International Boxing Hall of Fame 2020 inductee Lou DiBella questioned how he could have been allowed to continue to fight.

“This fatal night was his sixth consecutive first round stoppage,” Mr DiBella wrote on Twitter.

“The 38 year old survived the first five. The state of combat sports regulation in America is atrocious.”

On Instagram, Mr Thornton’s final opponent Dillon Cleckler wrote that “nothing could prepare you” for losing a fellow fighter.

“Justin is a warrior. It’s in his blood to fight. He loved it. He fought anyone, anytime and anywhere and when I didn’t have an opponent, he still jumped at the opportunity to get in there with me again,” Mr Cleckler wrote.

“I can’t help but feel absolutely devastated about this because I’ve known Justin for years.”

How tragic. Can’t really call it pneumonia however. That sounds like it was a consequence of the coma.

[GeneChing]

Christian Lubenga

[URL=“https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/mma-fighter-christian-lubenga-dies-after-debuting-in-west-springfield/”]
MMA fighter Christian Lubenga dies after debuting in West Springfield
by: Ashley Shook

Posted: Mar 15, 2022 / 04:36 PM EDT
Updated: Mar 15, 2022 / 05:10 PM EDT

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – An amateur MMA fighter died after performing in a fight held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

According to a post on the New England Mixed Martial Arts website, Christian Lubenga passed away after he competed in an amateur MMA fight on Saturday, March 12 at the AMMO Fight League: Battle of St. Patrick’s event held inside the Mallary Complex. Lubenga was against another debuting fighter, Cody McCracken.

Hampden County District Attorney Spokesman Jim Leydon confirmed with 22News Lubenga’s death. The DA is investigating the incident.

McCracken won again Lubenga by KO/TKO (knockout/techinical knockout) at 2:38 of Round 3.

New England MMA says the fight at the end didn’t seem very violent, and there is no word on what caused his death at this time. The post concluded by saying they will update the post as soon as more information is released and “please keep Christian’s friends and family in your thoughts tonight during this difficult time, and hug your loved ones a little bit tighter.”

Lubenga was a student at Black Wolf MMA in Orange, Connecticut. The facility shared their thoughts on social media Monday night describing Lubenga as family who was polite, professional, humble, always kind to everyone. He spent many hours training as a martial artist. “Christian was a true martial artist in every aspect of the word and a true warrior. We love you Christian. We all love you,” said Black Wolf MMA.

The “Battle of Saint Patrick’s” event showcased mixed martial arts fights between some of the best MMA fighters from New England.

The cause of Lubenga’s death has not been announced. 22News is following this story and will provide updates as soon as they become available.
Hope the cause wasn’t the fight…if it was, what a tragic way to go…

[GeneChing]

More on Lubenga

Wife of CT MMA fighter who died after first bout searches for answers: ‘We had planned the next steps of our life together’
Lisa Backus
Sep. 6, 2022

New Haven resident Christian Lubenga died after participating in his first mixed martial arts fight on March 12 in Massachusetts.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The wife of New Haven mixed martial arts fighter Christian Lubenga who died after his first bout in March continues to seek answers following her husband’s death.

“There is no reason that someone 25 goes in healthy and doesn’t come out the other side,” Margaret Anderson said this week.

Lubenga was injured during a sanctioned MMA St. Patrick’s fight at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield on March 12. He died two days later of complications from blunt force trauma to the head, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security which conducted an autopsy. His death was ruled an accident, authorities said. He was 25.

His widow is considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit, papers filed in Connecticut Probate Court said. But any potential litigation will take time, said attorney Cullen Guilmartin, who is on the team representing Anderson in the probate case.

“We’re investigating the cause of his death,” Guilmartin said Tuesday. “We’re in the preliminary stages of gathering medical records and trying to figure out what happened.”

Amateur MMA fighters wear wraps, not boxing gloves, and have no head protection, Anderson said. But the goal of the fight is to knock the opponent out. “That’s a brain event,” she said. “That’s why you need trained professionals doing examinations before, during and after the rounds.”

“These are grown men hitting each other at full force,” she said.

According to Massachusetts MMA regulations, fighters must be weighed and examined by a physician before a fight to certify that they are healthy enough to participate. Fighters must also be examined “as soon as possible” after a bout and given medical treatment if needed by a ringside physician. The physician is required to report any injuries to the Massachusetts State Athletics Commission which regulates MMA fighting in the state, the regulations state.

A few weeks after her husband’s death, the commission which also regulates boxing and other fighting sports, met to discuss the match between Lubenga and Cody McCracken. At least one MMA fight promoter called on the group to be as transparent as possible about Lubenga’s death.

A commissioner responded that the body was interested in the safety of the sport and would use whatever information it acquires to work with the fighting community. But the commission has not spoken publicly about Lubenga’s death since - other than to approve $9,178 in funeral expenses for his burial from the Boxer’s Fund, according to the minutes of several subsequent meetings that have taken place since March 21.

Lubenga was a semester away from earning a master’s degree in business analytics and spoke six languages when he died, Anderson told Hearst Connecticut Media Group in March.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the two met, Anderson said. The couple moved to Rwanda, then California, then New Haven, as they started their future together and raised their son, Gabby.

Lubenga was quiet by nature, reserved and thoughtful, and cared deeply for his family, particularly their son, Anderson said. In his spare time, he trained as an athlete, lifting weights and boxing, and always had some sort of side project going as he pursued his studies.

He was awarded his graduate degree posthumously, said officials at Bridgeport University where he studied.

After he received his degree the couple had planned to move to Washington D.C. where she would start her doctorate, she said. She made the move alone a short while ago with her son who started kindergarten Monday.

“It’s been a lot of life transition without that key person,” she said. “I’m really feeling the void. We had planned the next steps of our life together. It’s really hard.”

Gabby, who is 5, is also struggling with grief, she said. At night he’ll ask her to tell a story about him and “Baba” what he called his father, when he was young, Anderson said. “He misses him,” she said.

Based on studies she’s read, head trauma is fairly prevalent in MMA fighters, Anderson said. “There’s a high risk of traumatic brain injury,” she said.

But she believes that officials aren’t making the risks clear to fighters. “One of the things that isn’t so apparent is that it’s dangerous,” she said. “I don’t think they are telling the fighters.”

Referees and other fight officials need to be well trained in recognizing the signs of brain trauma to stop the fight before it’s too late, she said.

She started classes for her doctoral degree in Public Health a few weeks ago, she said. “We had high hopes for what this move would bring to our family,” she said. “Now I’m doing it alone.”

William Lambert contributed to this story.
So very tragic…

[SteveLau]

Very unfortunate outcome. I have seen professional heavy weight boxing tournament with a fighter being knocked out dead, caused by having received punches to his head. And amateur MMA fighters wear wraps, not boxing gloves ?! One thing that I am sure is to go for changing the tournament rule, improve its safety level.

Regards,

KC
Hong Kong

[GeneChing]

RIP Victoria Lee

ONE Championship rising star Victoria Lee dead at 18

Nolan King
January 7, 2023 5:11 pm ET
Rising mixed martial arts phenom Victoria Lee has died. She was 18.

Lee’s death occurred Dec. 26, according to an Instagram post Saturday by her older sister, ONE Championship atomweight title holder Angela Lee. A cause of death has not been shared.

“She has gone too soon and our family has been completely devastated since then,” Angela Lee wrote. “We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same.”

The surname “Lee” bears much weight in the history of ONE. Angela and brother Christian Lee have held titles as two of the promotion’s biggest stars. Victoria was pegged as the next sibling to follow their path.

Scheduled to compete in her fourth MMA bout Jan. 14 at ONE on Prime Video 6, Lee had a 3-0 record in MMA. Lee debuted in February 2021 with a rear-naked choke submission of Sunisa Srisen. After a first-round armbar win over Luping Wang in July 2021, Lee picked up her first TKO against previously undefeated Victoria Souza in September 2021.

Prior to her pro MMA debut, Lee impressed at the junior level across multiple combat sports. She was two-time Hawaiian pankration junior world champion, a Hawaii state wrestling champion, and an IMMAF junior world champion.

According to an obituary posted on Valley of the Temples Memorial Park and Funeral Home (Kanahe, Hawaii), a celebration of life has been scheduled for Jan. 22 before her burial.

ONE-Championship
MMA-deaths

[GeneChing]

More on Victoria Lee

Martial Arts / Mixed Martial Arts
ONE Championship: Angela Lee says ‘stop hiring private investigators, stop the conspiracy theories’ after sister Victoria’s death
Victoria Lee’s celebration of life in Hawaii switched to closed event by family because of ‘media outbreak’ surrounding 18-year-old’s death
‘Stop contacting us,’ ONE’s atomweight MMA champion adds – ‘I ask you respect our wishes to not give any further public statements’

Nicolas Atkin
Published: 6:23pm, 24 Jan, 2023

ONE Championship’s Angela Lee (right) with her younger sister Victoria Lee at their family’s United MMA gym in Hawaii. Photo: Instagram

Victoria Lee’s celebration of life, which was expected to be held in Hawaii last Sunday, was changed to a closed event for her immediate family only.

Rising MMA atomweight Lee, who went 3-0 during a brief career in ONE Championship where her elder siblings Angela and Christian Lee are both champions, died aged 18 on Boxing Day.

The ceremony was set for the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park and Funeral Homes in Kaneohe, before her burial. The funeral home had publicly announced her death this month, before Lee’s 26-year-old sister confirmed the news.

Angela Lee revealed the celebration of life “unfortunately” had to be closed off from the public, despite an outpouring of support for the family from fans and figures in the MMA community, because of the “media outbreak” after her younger sister’s death.

“We have decided as a family to make Victoria’s celebration of life a closed event, for immediate family only. We greatly appreciate your understanding,” ONE’s atomweight MMA champion wrote in an Instagram post last week.

“To our community and close friends, thank you for your kind words and prayers for our family during this time. This has been, and continues to be, an extremely difficult time for our family.
“I would also like to address the media and news outlets that have tried to contact myself, my parents and any other members of my family during this time.
“I ask you respect our wishes to not give any further public statements. Stop contacting us, stop hiring private investigators, stop with the conspiracy theories. Please show some respect and give us our time and space to grieve.”
Victoria Sun-hei Lee was born on May 17, 2004 in Wahiawa, Hawaii, to Chinese-Singaporean father Ken Lee, who would later become her coach, and South-Korean-born Canadian mother Jewelz Lee.
She lived with her family in Mililani, Hawaii, including Angela and 24-year-old Christian, and their respective spouses Bruno Pucci and Katie Lee, as well as her younger brother Adrian, 17, who won an amateur MMA title just days before her death.
The cause of Lee’s death has not been publicly released.

Victoria Lee walks to the ONE Championship Circle for a fight with Victoria Souza. Photo: ONE Championship.

Angela Lee also thanked ONE for their “beautiful” video tribute honouring Victoria, which was played to the crowd at Impact Arena during the ONE Fight Night 6 in Bangkok on January 14.
“I miss you so much sis,” she wrote.
“This video is just a short clip of the beautiful, brilliant, kind and hardworking person Victoria was. She was down to earth, with unshakeable determination and a heart of gold.”

Nicolas Atkin

Nico is a production editor on the South China Morning Post’s sport desk, where he covers mixed martial arts (MMA) in Asia, as well as local sport in Hong Kong. He was previously a sports writer and editor for ESPN.

Sad that outsiders are meddling in the mourning.

[GeneChing]

MMA star Shalie Lipp killed in Car crash | CCTV footage of car crash

//youtu.be/tDHfG-KODbY

[GeneChing]

Renata Corrêa Baldan

Another car crash victim. So tragic.

CRASH TRAGEDY Cage fighter and martial arts champion, 41, killed in horror crash as her car plunges off a cliff in Brazil
She was found trapped in the wreckage of her car
William McGeeAiya Zhussupova
Published: 10:09 ET, Dec 28 2023Updated: 10:46 ET, Dec 28 2023

A FORMER cage fighter and martial arts champion has died in a horror accident when her car plunged off a cliff.

Renata Corrêa Baldan, 41, was killed in the accident yesterday morning.

Mum-of-four dies aged 41 in a horror car accidentCredit: Jam Press

Baldan was a former MMA, Muay Thai, and Jiu-jitsu fighterCredit: Jam Press
Officials believe she lost control of her car as she took a curve on the motorway.

The vehicle overturned, hit a tree, and fell down a 33ft drop, according to local media.

The mother-of-four, 41, was alone in the car at the time.

Firemen and paramedics were called to the scene in Ubatuba, Brazil.

They found her trapped in the wreckage of her car, but she didn’t survive her injuries.

Baldan was a former MMA, Muay Thai, and Jiu-jitsu fighter.

She racked up four pro wins in MMA Super Heroes 3, 4, and 8 in 2014.

And she won two championship belts in Muay Thai, according to reports.

In 2015, she had a career change and started working as a personal trainer.

She qualified as a firefighter in July 2022.

And in early 2023, she began working as a beautician and massage therapist.

She ran a clinic in Ubatuba.

Baldan was in a relationship with a businessman.

She leaves behind three sons and a daughter.

One of her boys wrote on social media: “Thank you all for the messages. They’ve been a great help.

“This time is incredibly delicate for me, but I appreciate everyone who’s by my side. I love you, Mum.”

[GeneChing]

RIP Ashley Nichols

Canadian MMA star Ashley Nichols tragically passes away just three weeks before next scheduled fight
By Ricardo Viagem
Modified Feb 16, 2024 07:04 GMT

Ashley Nichols, an indigenous Canadian MMA star, has just passed away [Image Courtesy: @InvictaFights via X/Twitter]

Ashley Nichols, a surging mixed martial artist and Muay Thai fighter, has just passed away, leaving the Canadian MMA scene grief-stricken. The Cambridge, Ontario native was scheduled to take part in a March 9 bout at PAWFC, an all-women’s MMA promotion. She was 28 years old at the time of her death.

Prior to her passing, she was at the helm of a three-fight win streak. While the cause of her death is yet to be identified on social media, the combat sports achievements that defined her all-around talent are also deserving of attention.

Nichols competed in several notable organizations, like all-women’s MMA promotion Invicta FC, which has played host to several legendary names in women’s MMA. She also competed in the LFA, where she locked horns with future UFC women’s strawweight Jaqueline Amorim.

Furthermore, she held several championship honors, having captured the TKO MMA strawweight title as well as the interim WPMF Featherweight Muay Thai world title. However, Nichols was more than just a fighter; she was also a coach and referee.

As one of the few representatives of indigenous Canadians in combat sports, Nichols was a pioneer for her people and a trailblazer who will hopefully break down doors for more indigenous people to venture into MMA, where they are grossly underrepresented.

Her passing leaves behind a deep hole in the Canadian combat sports world, which is currently mourning the death of one of its brightest stars.

Ashley Nichols was one of the few fighters to become a referee in her prime

Most referees in MMA who were once fighters only become fight officials well past their physical prime when they can no longer compete as fighters. The likes of Herb Dean, Marc Goddard, and Frank Trigg come to mind. Ashley Nichols, however, is distinguished for becoming a referee while still in her physical prime.

How tragic. Wonder what took her at such a young age…

[GeneChing]

Chicago MMA fighter dies after competition in Cicero

Isaac Johnson collapsed at the end of his bout at Cicero Stadium, which hosted the Matador Fighter Challenge.

By Mitchell Armentrout

Nov 22, 2025, 12:22pm PST

A mixed martial arts fighter died after a Cicero bout Friday.

A mixed martial arts fighter died after his bout in west suburban Cicero on Friday night.

Isaac Johnson, 31, collapsed toward the end of his fight at the Matador Fighter Challenge hosted at Cicero Stadium, 1909 S. Laramie Ave., according to town officials, the Cook County medical examiner’s office and a fight promoter.

An ambulance was called at 8:38 p.m. to take Johnson to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, authorities said.

Cicero police were conducting a death investigation. An autopsy Saturday didn’t rule on Johnson’s cause or manner of death, with results pending further investigation.

Johnson, a Chicago resident, was on the bill for a heavyweight Thai boxing matchup on a night of “high-stakes, high-intensity matches,” an event website said.

“I don’t have the words to express how I feel right now,” promoter Joe Goytia said in a social media post. “All I can say is my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. We will know more as the medical report is released.”

Mitchell Armentrout

Chicago Sun-TimesReporter/assistant editor

[GeneChing]

Man killed in bear attack identified as MMA fighter Hrishikesh Koloth from India

‘Innocent heart, fighter’s soul’: 27-year-old’s brother says he came to Canada with a dream

Aishwarya Dudha · CBC News · Posted: May 27, 2026 4:00 AM PDT | Last Updated: 6 hours ago

Estimated 3 minutes

Arjun Koloth said his brother Hrishikesh was a fighter and a dreamer. (Submitted by Arjun Koloth)

The man killed in a rare fatal bear attack in northern Saskatchewan on May 8 wanted to be a professional mixed martial arts fighter, according to his brother.

Originally from Kerala, India, Hrishikesh Koloth, 27, was working at a uranium exploration site when he was attacked.

He had trained in MMA for over a decade, first in India and then in Canada after moving here three years ago. He had been living in Penticton, B.C., with his older brother Arjun Koloth.

Hrishikesh had been working on contract as a technician at the Zoo Bay property operated by Vancouver-based UraniumX Discovery Corp. The site is near Nordbye Lake, roughly 850 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.

Arjun said Hrishikesh was a fighter and a dreamer.

“That was his dream. That’s why he came here,” Arjun said. “He wanted to fight in the UFC.”

He trained with Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton, and “everybody had high hopes on him,” Arjun said. “It shouldn’t have been like this.”

Hrishikesh Koloth trained with Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton, B.C., and his support team was like a second family, his brother Arjun said. (Skoden Martial Arts/Facebook)

Arjun said a knock at his door at 4 a.m. PDT turned his world upside down.

“An RCMP came to my door and knocked and let me know that your brother has passed away in Saskatchewan,” he said.

A civilian on site shot and killed the bear. The animal has since been transported to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon for a necropsy.

The company, UraniumX Discovery Corp, confirmed one of its contractors was killed and extended its thoughts and prayers to the family.

Man killed by bear in northern Sask. was fighter, dreamer

The man killed in a rare fatal bear attack in northern Saskatchewan on May 8 has been identified by his brother as Hrishikesh Koloth, a 27-year-old martial arts fighter who moved to Canada from India.

Arjun said his brother was going to start a job as a boxing coach in Vancouver in June.

“Job is just a means to an end,” Arjun said. “The end was to fight.”

He described Hrishikesh as humble, fearless, and fiercely loving to his family — someone who spoiled his parents and wanted to do everything for them.

Hrishikesh Koloth, 27 was was killed by a bear in Northern Saskatchewan on May 8. His brother Arjun says he wants Hrishikesh to be remembered as a fighter and a dreamer. (Valiente Fights/YouTube)

“He’s not scared of anything,” Arjun said. “Two days notice before a fight? Doesn’t matter. Opponent heavier than him? Doesn’t matter. Win or lose, he just wanted to fight.”

Arjun is now in Kerala for his brother’s funeral and to be with the rest of his family.

“I wanted him to be known for what he does, how he was. I can’t do anything anymore, so at least I could do this for him,” he said.

“I want him to be remembered for what he does. Innocent heart, fighter’s soul. Warrior. And I’d just like to say he fought [the] bear. That’s all … bear didn’t attack him. He attacked the bear.”

This is only the fourth fatal bear incident in Saskatchewan’s recorded history. The last was in 2020, when Stephanie Blais, 44, was killed near her family’s cabin north of Buffalo Narrows.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aishwarya Dudha

Reporter

Aishwarya Dudha is a reporter for CBC Saskatchewan based in Saskatoon. She specializes in immigration, justice and cultural issues and elevating voices of vulnerable people. She has previously worked for CBC News Network and Global News. You can email her at aishwarya.dudha@cbc.ca

[GeneChing]

Mystery surrounds death of MMA fighter, mother of two found inside car at San Jose State University

Daniel Farr

Fri, June 26, 2026 at 5:18 PM PDT

2 min read

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows The West Garage at San Jose State University, Image 2 shows Two fighters face off in an MMA cage, Image 3 shows Deziree Victoria Auelua-Misa smiling with her two children in front of a snowy backdrop

More

Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.

• A mixed martial arts fighter and a mother of two were found unresponsive inside a parked car at a San Jose State University parking garage, with authorities keeping the causes of death undisclosed.

See more

A mystery continues to swirl around the deaths of a mixed martial arts fighter and a mother of two who were found unresponsive inside a parked car at a San Jose State University parking garage, as authorities continue to keep their causes of death under wraps.

The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday identified the victims as Angelo Henry, 36, and Deziree Auelua-Misa, 30, weeks after the pair was discovered inside a vehicle in the university’s West Garage at the corner of South Fourth and East San Salvador streets.

The grim discovery unfolded on the afternoon of May 23 after concerns mounted when the pair remained motionless inside the parked car for hours.

A mystery continues to swirl around the deaths of a mixed martial arts fighter and a mother of two who were found unresponsive inside a parked car at a San Jose State University parking garage, as authorities continue to keep their causes of death under wraps. Getty Images/iStockphoto

More

The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday identified the victims as Angelo Henry, 36, and Deziree Auelua-Misa, 30, weeks after the pair was discovered inside a vehicle in the university’s West Garage at the corner of South Fourth and East San Salvador streets.

More

The grim discovery unfolded on the afternoon of May 23 after concerns mounted when the pair remained motionless inside the parked car for hours. Dignity Memorial

According to university police Capt. Jermaine Thomas, the vehicle had been spotted earlier in the day, but officers initially believed the occupants were sleeping.

Authorities were only alerted after neither person appeared to move for several hours.

San Jose State University officers attempted life-saving measures, but Henry and Auelua-Misa were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials have not released the causes of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities were only alerted after neither person appeared to move for several hours. Gofundme

Henry, a Seaside native from Monterey County, was known in the local combat sports community as both a mixed martial arts fighter and fight promoter. Auelua-Misa, also from Seaside, worked as a food and beverage manager at a hotel.

Both victims were parents.

A GoFundMe campaign created by Auelua-Misa’s sister has raised more than $24,000 toward its $30,000 goal. According to the fundraiser, Auelua-Misa leaves behind two children, who will receive a portion of the donations.

“As our family grieves her loss, we are also stepping in to make sure her babies are surrounded by love, stability, and support during this heartbreaking transition,” her sister wrote.

[GeneChing]

UFC fighter Allan Nascimento dies at 34 after apparent heart attack in his sleep

The “beloved flyweight fighter” from Brazil died less than 2 months after his last bout.

Allan Nascimento during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX in Las Vegas in June.Chris Unger / Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Aug. 4, 2026, 8:10 AM PDT / Updated Aug. 4, 2026, 9:13 AM PDT

By David K. Li

Brazilian MMA fighter Allan Nascimento died Monday after suffering a heart attack as he slept, the UFC said.

He was 34.

The “beloved flyweight fighter” was “found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep,” according to a statement from UFC.

“Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the UFC continued. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The 5-foot-8, 125-pound Nascimento went 22-7 in his UFC career that dates back to 2011.

He lost his last bout in a split decision to Mitch Raposo on June 20 in Las Vegas.

Nascimento’s sudden death stunned the mixed martial arts community.

“Today I lost a brother — a guy who was truly one of a kind — and the pain is unbearable,” No. 3-ranked lightweight and longtime friend Charles Oliveira said in a statement.

Brazilian middleweight Caio “The Natural” Borralho called Nascimento “one of the most kind fighters that’s I’ve ever met!”

“Polite, good energy and always in good spirits! He will be missed,” he said in a social media post.

And UFC correspondent Evelyn Rodrigues called Nascimento one of “the kindest souls I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing through MMA. Rest in peace, Allan.”

David K. Li

Senior Breaking News Reporter

Emilie Dorn contributed.