Earlier this week, news broke that former UFC light heavyweight Ryan Jimmo had been killed in a hit-and-run in Edmonton.
According to a report from CBC, Jimmo’s death followed a verbal altercation in the parking lot of H2O Lounge on Whyte Ave and 101st Street. After approaching the driver of another vehicle on foot, Jimmo is believed to have begun walking away, at which point the other driver accelerated, struck Jimmo, and fled the scene.
Jimmo’s death, which occurred in-hospital due to blunt force trauma, marks the latest tragedy in what has been a very tough year for combat sports fans. A bit of good news, though: just a day after their vehicle was identified by surveillance cameras, the men behind Jimmo’s death have been arrested and charged by Edmonton police.
The first of these two men is Anthony Getschel, 23, who was apparently at the wheel when the car struck Jimmo. According to the Edmonton Police Service, he’s been charged with “second degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, and fail to stop at scene of accident involving death.”
The second suspect, meanwhile, is Jordan Wagner, 21, who has been charged with “accessory after the fact to murder.”
According the Edmonton Police service, neither Getschel nor Wagner new Jimmo prior to this tragic incident. According to MMAJunkie.com, who spoke with a representative for the Edmonton Police Service, it is not yet known when the two men will appear in court.
As the owner of one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history and a solid, 19-5 overall record, Jimmo will be remembered as a very talented fighter. Perhaps more importantly, however, he’ll be remembered as one of the genuinely nice guys in a sport often marred by bravado and trash talk.
“Ryan would help anyone who would need it, he was just that kind of guy,” Jimmo’s Aunt told CBC of his character.
It’s also worth noting that Jimmo was a strong advocate for fighter rights. He openly supported the introduction of The Ali Act into MMA, which would protect the welfare of fighters, and frequently criticized the UFC’s infamous uniform deal with Reebok, which is widely believed to underpay fighters. Jimmo also offered his support to an ongoing fighter-driven class-action lawsuit against the UFC.
The UFC’s statement on Jimmo’s death, which offered condolences to his friends and family can be found here.
