Report: MMA fighter dies after collapsing backstage following TKO loss in Kentucky

Horrible news struck the MMA community over the weekend as reports surfaced that a fighter died in Kentucky following an amateur bout.

37-year-old Donshay White was pronounced dead on Saturday after he was taken to a hospital after collapsing backstage following his fight against Ricky Muse at the Hardrock MMA 90 event. White suffered a second round TKO loss due to strikes and was responsive and walked backstage on his own power, according to BluegrassMMA. White appeared to be exhausted and was given medical attention. However, White ended up collapsing backstage and was unresponsive and was given CPR and transported to a hospital by ambulance where he later died.

Hardrock MMA released the following statement on their Facebook page:

Hardrock MMA joins the entire MMA community in mourning Donshay White. As a promotion who has put together 89 events over the last 8 years without incident, we always have and we will continue to put our fighters safety above all else. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

The Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission also released a statement on their Facebook page.

Statement from the Kentucky Boxing & Wrestling Commission:

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Donshay White following his passing on Saturday.

Mr. White was attended to by a licensed ringside physician and first responders immediately following his bout, and he received onsite medical attention before being transported via ambulance to the hospital.

The health and safety of Kentucky’s combat sports athletes is the highest priority of the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission, and the commission is reviewing all of the details surrounding this tragic event.”

According to BluegrassMMA, Kalen Ray who also fought that night on the Hardrock MMA 90 card collapsed backstage and was given medical attention and taken to the hospital. The Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission then made the decision to cancel the remaining fights on the card as there was no longer any medical personnel on site after both White and Ray were taken to the hospital. The report states that Ray recovered and is in good condition.

on 7/17/2017.