Boxer Patrick Day died Wednesday, four days after suffering a brutal knockout in his bout against Charles Conwell, CNN reports. Day was surrounded by his family, friends, and and members of his boxing team at the time of his passing.
"He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins," Day's promoter Joe DiBella said in a statement. "On behalf of Patrick's family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury."
After getting knocked out by Conwell for a third time in the 10th round of their match on Saturday in Chicago, Day was taken out of the ring on a stretcher and transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Day suffered a seizure en route to the hospital and fell into a coma while there.
Day then underwent emergency brain surgery and remained in a coma. Conwell penned a lengthy open letter addressing his thoughts in wake of his bout with Day. "I never meant for this to happen to you," he wrote. "All I ever wanted to do was win. If I could take it all back I would no one deserves for this to happen to them."
"He chose to box, knowing the inherent risks that every fighter faces when he or she walks into a boxing ring," DiBella said. "Boxing is what Pat loved to do. It's how he inspired people and it was something that made him feel alive."
Day was 27.
