An 18-year-old boxer died after a knockout in Montreal. The fight should’ve never happened
multiple areas of bleeding and swelling in her brain. These were clear signs of acute traumatic brain injury, likely caused by the repeated blows she sustained in the ring. Ledoux was shocked by the severity of the damage and the fact that she had been allowed to fight in her condition.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the extent of the damage to her brain,” Ledoux said. “This was a preventable tragedy, and it should never have happened.”
The scans also revealed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease commonly found in athletes who have suffered repeated head trauma. Jeanette’s brain showed evidence of previous injuries, likely sustained during her previous fights.
Ledoux believes that Jeanette should never have been allowed to fight again after her first concussion. He is appalled by the lack of oversight and medical care she received, both in Mexico and in Canada.
“It’s clear that there were failures at multiple levels in ensuring her safety,” Ledoux said. “The system failed her, and it’s a tragedy that could have been avoided.”
Jeanette’s parents were devastated to learn the extent of their daughter’s injuries. They had trusted the doctors and officials who oversaw her care, believing that they had her best interests at heart.
“I can’t believe they let her fight again,” Irene said. “They knew she was hurt, and they still let her get in the ring. It’s unforgivable.”
The Quebec coroner’s report confirmed that Jeanette’s death was caused by Second Impact Syndrome, a rare but fatal condition that occurs when a person sustains a second head injury before fully recovering from the first. The report also highlighted the failures in her medical care and oversight, pointing to the forged radiology report and incomplete medical history as key factors in her death.
The boxing world was shaken by Jeanette’s tragic passing, leading to calls for greater oversight and regulation to prevent similar incidents in the future. Promoters, trainers, and doctors are now under increased scrutiny, with new guidelines being implemented to ensure the safety of fighters.
Jeanette’s legacy lives on as a cautionary tale of the dangers of combat sports and the importance of proper medical care. Her parents have dedicated themselves to advocating for better protections for fighters, hoping to prevent another family from experiencing the same loss.
“She was our daughter, our everything,” Esteban said. “We will never forget her, and we will fight to ensure that her death was not in vain.”
As the boxing world grapples with the tragedy of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata’s death, her memory serves as a reminder of the risks and responsibilities that come with the sport. Her story is one of heartbreak and loss, but also of hope and determination to make a change for the better.
