Tragedy has struck the mixed martial arts community as UFC heavyweight Shane del Rosario died at age 30, nearly two weeks after suffering full cardiac arrest.
Friend and teammate, Ian McCall, as well as del Rosario’s manager, Jason House, confirmed the news of his death Monday evening.
“The Ultimate Fighting Championship mourns the tragic loss of heavyweight competitor Shane Del Rosario, who has passed away at the age of 30,” the UFC said in an official statement. “The entire organization sends its deepest condolences to Shane’s family and friends.”
Del Rosario suffered a catastrophic cardiovascular collapse on Nov. 26 at his home in California and had been receiving treatment at the Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, Calif.
When the Hacienda Heights, Calif., native was first admitted to hospital he was resuscitated, but did not regain consciousness.
According to a statement House released last week, doctors believed del Rosario may have suffered from a rare condition called Long QT Syndrome that can cause sudden and life threatening heart rhythm abnormality and/or death.
Del Rosario was placed on life support before reports surfaced last week that he had signs of brain activity, was breathing independently and even squeezed his mother’s hand at the California hospital.
Sadly, the fighter never made a full recovery.
Del Rosario started his MMA career in 2006 and went 11-0 before making his UFC debut in May 2012. The former Strikeforce star lost his first two fights in the UFC and was scheduled meet Guto Inocente at UFC 168 on Dec. 28, but was forced to pull out of the bout with a rib injury.
