RCMP probe Alberta MMA fighter death
Investigation Underway After MMA Fighter Dies at Charity Event
Authorities are currently looking into the tragic death of a man at a mixed martial arts fight that took place on the Enoch First Nation near Edmonton. The victim, Trokon Dourash, aged 33, passed away due to injuries sustained during an Ultra MMA bout held at the Enoch Community Centre. His pregnant wife confirmed the news to CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have officially launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dourash’s death. The victim leaves behind his wife and two children.
According to fellow amateur fighters present at the event, Dourash, who was relatively new to the sport, appeared to be performing well in the ring until he suddenly encountered difficulties. He had to be assisted out of the cage while in physical distress.
The Ultra MMA event, organized by the U.K.-based company, was promoted as a beginner-friendly competition following eight weeks of training to enhance physical fitness and raise funds for charity.
Concerns have been raised regarding the event setup, specifically regarding the availability of on-site medical personnel such as doctors. The organizers, Ultra Events Canada, mentioned that the event was conducted under the supervision of the Central Alberta Combat Sports Commission and refrained from providing further comments pending the ongoing investigations into Dourash’s death.
The Alberta-based sports commission responsible for sanctioning the charity fights declined to comment during the police inquiry.
Dourash’s tragic passing comes in the wake of a fatality inquiry initiated after the death of Edmonton boxer Timothy Hague in 2017. The inquiry recommended changes in the regulation of combat sports in Alberta and the monitoring of head injuries to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Alberta’s Minister of Sport and Tourism, Joseph Schow, expressed deep concern over the circumstances of Dourash’s death, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety in sports events within the province.
As investigations continue into the tragic incident, authorities and stakeholders are working towards implementing measures to enhance safety protocols in combat sports events to prevent future tragedies.
This article includes information from CTV News Edmonton and The Canadian Press.
