MMA Fighter Marcus Kowal’s 1-year-old son killed by drunk driver

Another hit-and-run incident has dealt the MMA community a devastating blow.

3-1-1 professional MMA fighter Marcus Kowal’s 15-month-old baby boy passed away after being hit by a 72-year-old drunk driver in Hawthorne, California.

From the Hawthorne Police:

“On September 3rd, 2016 at approximately 4:15 pm, Hawthorne Police Department officers were dispatch to the instersection of 133rd street and Hawthorne Blvd in regards to a vehicle verse pedestrian traffic collision. Hawthorne Patrol Officers responded to the scene where they located two injured juveniles lying in the street near the crosswalk. One of the victims, a 15 year old female, was suffering from what appeared to be leg injuries while a second victim, a 15 month old baby still in its baby stroller, was found pulseless and not breathing. Officers administered CPR to the critically injured baby while awaiting the arrival of LA Count Fire rescue units. Arriving rescue personnel took over the treatment of both victims and transported them to Harbor UCLA Medical Center. The 15 year old female is reported to be in stable condition while the baby is in ICU.

The Hawthorne Police Department Traffic Bureau responded to the scene to conduct its investigation. During the course of the investigation it was determined that the 15 year old female was pushing a baby stroller inside the crosswalk when a SUV, driven by a 72 year old female later identified as Donna Marie Higgins, drove through the crosswalk striking both victims. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene northbound followed by witnesses to the crash. The witnesses followed Higgins for about a block before they were able to block Higgins’ vehicle with their own cars until police arrived on scene.

As part of our standard protocol in a crash of this nature, field sobriety tests were administered to Higgins. Following the investigation, it was determined that Higgins was driving a vehicle while intoxicated and she was placed under arrest for felony hit and run as well as felony drunk driving. Higgins was booked into Hawthorne jail on the above charges with a $100,000 bail.”

Kowal also posted a photo of his son detailing the tragic incident. Kowal said the following in his repost from the support of @bashbxoing:

“The support we have received from the Martial Arts world is unreal. From #BJJ to #KravMaga to MMA. Tears are running down my cheeks as I look at this picture of my little boy and read the message from @bashboxing and @cxf_mma #Repost @bashboxing with @repostapp
・・・
Our event #Sept10th will be dedicated entirely to the memory of Liam Kowal. If you have been to one of our fights chances are you know Marcus Kowal. To know the man, is to love the man. As the owner of @systemstrainingcenter and @systemstcencino Marcus is a huge part of our family. Fewer men posses a better attitude or general love of life than Mac. Today we received the worst news imaginable. His 15 month old son, Liam, was tragically killed when he was hit by a drunk driver yesterday afternoon. While in his stroller, Liam and his Aunt were in the crosswalk when an SUV barreled through them before fleeing the scene. Liam bravely, and valiantly fought for his life, but ended up succumbing to his injuries. At this time, all we can do is support Marcus, his wife Mishel and Liam’s Aunt who was also injured in the accident. In order to do so, we will be donating a portion of every ticket sold to a fund in Liam’s memory, that will be set aside for the family….We will also be holding a silent auction of some very high quality signed boxing and #MMA merchandise with the proceeds also being collected for the family. Please continue to pray for Marcus, Mishel and their family…..CXF4 Crossroads is now CXF “For Liam” #prayersforliamkowal #CXFForLiam #weareone @mrlightsout21 @bashboxing @lightsout_promotion @theclinchreport @custom_t_shirt_printing”

The support we have received from the Martial Arts world is unreal. From #BJJ to #KravMaga to MMA. Tears are running down my cheeks as I look at this picture of my little boy and read the message from @bashboxing and @cxf_mma #Repost @bashboxing with @repostapp ・・・ Our event #Sept10th will be dedicated entirely to the memory of Liam Kowal. If you have been to one of our fights chances are you know Marcus Kowal. To know the man, is to love the man. As the owner of @systemstrainingcenter and @systemstcencino Marcus is a huge part of our family. Fewer men posses a better attitude or general love of life than Mac. Today we received the worst news imaginable. His 15 month old son, Liam, was tragically killed when he was hit by a drunk driver yesterday afternoon. While in his stroller, Liam and his Aunt were in the crosswalk when an SUV barreled through them before fleeing the scene. Liam bravely, and valiantly fought for his life, but ended up succumbing to his injuries. At this time, all we can do is support Marcus, his wife Mishel and Liam's Aunt who was also injured in the accident. In order to do so, we will be donating a portion of every ticket sold to a fund in Liam's memory, that will be set aside for the family….We will also be holding a silent auction of some very high quality signed boxing and #MMA merchandise with the proceeds also being collected for the family. Please continue to pray for Marcus, Mishel and their family…..CXF4 Crossroads is now CXF "For Liam" #prayersforliamkowal #CXFForLiam #weareone @mrlightsout21 @bashboxing @lightsout_promotion @theclinchreport @custom_t_shirt_printing

A photo posted by Marcus Kowal (@mackowal) on Sep 5, 2016 at 7:36am PDT

Our thoughts are with Marcus Kowal, his family and those that have been affected by the tragic accident.