Coroner: death of renowned MMA coach Robert Follis due to suicide

Yesterday afternoon, the MMA community was rocked by the news of coach Robert Follis’ passing. The long-time Xtreme Couture coach was just 48 years old.

In a heartbreaking twist, MMAFighting.com has confirmed with a spokesperson from the Clark County Coroner in Nevada that the cause of Follis’ death was suicide. 

While this is new information, this is what Follis’ fellow coach Dewey Cooper seemed to imply in a Sunday afternoon post to social media.

A friend is a person who is there for you when you need an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on. We are friends and I am terribly sorry that my ear or shoulder wasn’t enough to help you get through difficult times. We have love and respect for you Coach/Partner/Friend! Every MMA victory that our fighters have will always be a testament of your Great Coaching! You will be missed Follis; now get your gym in the Heavens up and running well!! This “Fight Thing” was a lifestyle for you; so it doesn’t stop after your physical life! Make sure you keep making Champions in the Heavens above bro!!! Until we speak again! Rest in Peace Robert Follis #RestInTheHeavensCoachRobertFollis #BKSS #follismma #MTP #noadlahat

A post shared by Dewey Cooper (@dcblackkobra) on Dec 17, 2017 at 3:42am PST

“A friend is a person who is there for you when you need an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on,” Cooper said in his gut-wrenching post. “We are friends and I am terribly sorry that my ear or shoulder wasn’t enough to help you get through difficult times.”

Unsurprisingly, Follis’ passing has sent a shockwave through the MMA community, as the long list of fighters he’s worked with have all done their part to contribute to his eulogy.

On Sunday, Follis’ girlfriend posted to social media, urging the MMA community to give the Follis family their privacy during this difficult time. That said, she has also set up an e-mail address, to which Follis’ friends and pupils can direct any memories and photos they have of him: robertfollismemorial@gmail.com.

“If you have a story about him or pictures you would like to share, please do so here so that all of us can may visit different parts of his life,” Fukuno said. “If you would like to share something more privately, I’ve set up an email address that some family members will be able to access. Stories, photos, etc are welcome. We may not be able to respond, but please know that we will sort through them as part of our healing process. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Memorial service information will follow at a later time.”

The team at BJPenn.com offers sincere condolences to all those who called Robert Follis family, friend and coach over the years. Rest in Peace, coach.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 18/12/2017.