A 31-year-old MMA athlete has sadly passed away just hours after unexpectedly collapsing during a match in Chicago.
Local resident Isaac Johnson collapsed following an injury towards the conclusion of a bout in the Matador Fighter Challenge competition, which took place at Cicero Stadium. This prompted an emergency call at 8.38pm on Friday, November 21.
Johnson was declared dead at Loyola University Medical Center at 12.01am, as reported by NBC.
An autopsy is planned for the aspiring fighter, and both the Cook County medical examiner and local law enforcement are investigating the sudden passing.
The event Johnson participated in was described on its website as “the ultimate MMA and Thai event, where local warriors will battle it out in high-stakes, high-intensity matches.”
In addition to his MMA pursuits, Johnson from Chicago was also known for his involvement in rap music. He was married and had a daughter.
Joe Goytia, the promoter of the Matador Fighter Challenge event, expressed his sorrow on Facebook: “I don’t have the words to express how I feel right now.”
Goytia mentioned that the event’s medical team provided Johnson with care while awaiting the ambulance. He continued in his post: “This is a post I hoped to never make, last night one of the fighters in our event Isaac Johnson collapsed towards end of his fight.
“Medical attention was given by medical staff on hand and he was transported to hospital. I was then informed at around 1.30 am this morning that he didn’t make it. I don’t have the words to express how I feel right now, all I can say is my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. We will know more as the medical report is released.”
Goytia also noted that Johnson had passed a medical exam before the match. According to sources reported by Fox 4, this was the 31-year-old’s first Thai boxing match.
An autopsy conducted on Johnson on Saturday night was inconclusive, according to Sun reports, indicating that further medical tests are needed to determine the cause of death.
Fans of MMA have been sharing tributes to the deceased fighter on the event’s social media post concerning the incident, with one individual stating: “My thoughts and condolences. Something we never want to hear or experience.”
Others described Johnson as ‘a true warrior to the very end,’ while someone else mentioned, ‘I can’t even express my sorrow.’
“In this game you never know! Prayers to you the staff and the family! Rest easy warrior!” commented another mourner.