Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight and top-rated mixed martial arts (MMA) striker Shane del Rosario died late last night (Dec. 8, 2013) at Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., following complications from cardiac arrest suffered in his home on Tuesday morning (Nov. 26, 2013).
He was just 30 years old.
Del Rosario was discovered by his roommate, UFC flyweight Ian McCall, and listed in critical condition after being resuscitated in the emergency room. While the former Strikeforce title contender showed initial signs of improvement, his health took a turn for the worse on Thursday (Nov. 28, 2013) after "No Limits" displayed no sign of brain activity.
He was taken off life support on Friday morning (Nov. 29, 2013). His body was able to keep going for an incredible 10 days.
McCall remembered his friend briefly earlier this afternoon, posting the following tribute on his Instagram account:
"RIP to one of the best people I've ever had the honor to have in my life and call my best friend. @shanedelrosario helped me threw the toughest time in my life and helped me raise my daughter. Love you big fella. #ohana"
He was lucky to even be fighting after getting hit by a drunk driver back in 2011.
Del Rosario (11-2) was expected to make his Octagon return against Guto Inocente at the upcoming UFC 168 pay-per-view (PPV) event on Dec. 28, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada; however, the former Muay Thai specialist was forced to withdraw after sustaining a rib injury in training camp.
