A UPEI biology student died suddenly Tuesday night shortly after finishing a light sparring session in preparation for a professional bout.
Rene Ayangma, 20, was training at Largo Fitness Centre in Stratford for only his second mixed martial arts fight, which had been scheduled for March 15 in Halifax.
He won his first professional match in December in under two minutes in the first round by rear chokes. Mixed martial arts is a full contact combat sport in which a wide variety of fighting techniques are used, including striking and grappling.
Mike Gallant, a spokesman with the fight club, said Ayangma had just finished his workout at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday with some light technical sparring when the fighter suddenly dropped to a knee and fell forward.
Gallant said an instructor and a club member rushed in to perform CPR on Ayangma, who had lost consciousness but still had "shallow breathing.'' Ayangma was pronounced dead at the hospital after being rushed to the QEH in Charlottetown.
RCMP said the province's chief coroner is investigating the sudden death of the university student. An autopsy was to be performed Wednesday.
Gallant said the tall, muscular Ayangma was in great physical condition and had passed a thorough medical before his fight in December.
"He was fantastic,'' he said. "He was a natural at it. He was strong and had a very natural, athletic ability.''
The club was sombre Wednesday as friends and fellow competitors tried to come to grip with the tragedy.
"There's still a lot of shock and a lot of reminiscing going on,'' said Gallant. "He's going to be missed for a long time to come.''
More than 1,000 people had signed up on a Facebook group established in Ayangma's memory by midday Wednesday.
Lewis Page, coach of the UPEI men's soccer team, was stunned by the news. He had coached Ayangma in soccer on and off since the athlete was about 13, including stints with the UPEI Panthers and provincial teams.
"The first reaction is disbelief,'' said Page. "I mean a young, healthy, strong guy . . . He was just one of those guys that you always wanted on your team because he was so upbeat, so good with the other players, always positive - a joy to coach.''
Ayangma played for the Panthers for three years before choosing to leave the sport in the fall to pursue mixed martial arts. Gallant said Ayangma dreamed of making a career out of fighting.
"He had lots of aspirations and he seemed well on his way with them,'' he said.
Larry Hale said his biology student had voiced interest in going to medical school, possibly specializing in sport medicine. Ayangma was taking both second- and third-year courses at UPEI.
Ayangma's remains are resting at the Belvedere Funeral Home in Charlottetown.
Fighter dies after workout
- Published on Febuary 21st, 2008
- Published on June 14th, 2010
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Jim Day
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Comments
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- Benet
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:30:23
Not only was Rene Ayangma an excellent athlete he was also a fine gentleman, that rare breed. So many times, passing me on campus, he said, Hello Sir. How are you? And I would answer, 'I am well, thank you. And you?' I did not know his name then. We never spoke more than that. But it was enough...a deep confirmation that we both felt mutual respect in one another's passing company. His passing is a source of pain for us who had the pleasure of receiving his smile.
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- Margaret
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:20:57
What a tragety...his brothers especially will miss his presence...Facebook shows that although his life here was short....he touched many,many hearts. A lesson for all of us to learn from...
God Bless the family and friends who knew him.....I can see your lives are MUCh richer from knowing him. -
- Matthew
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:15:38
Very sad day. You will be missed by so many. We just lost a great guy!!!!......
I wish this was not true! -
- Ian
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:14:54
Athlete, scholar, and above all a gentleman. Rest in peace friend.
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- Kieran
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:07:34
Rene was one of those guys that no matter where he was going he would always talk to you. He took time out of his day to say hey.... He will be missed in this community and province. You are gone but not forgotten
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- Steve
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:45:41
I coach rugby at the gray and the year Rene played he was a dominating force.
I didn't know him that well i probably know his brother Jake more.
Anytime i talked to Rene he had this vibrant welcoming personality that i wish more people posessed.
Your mates and family will miss you
Sorry Jake
Steve -
- Jeff
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:44:34
What a tragedy.
I organized a badminton club at Queen Charlotte School about 5 years ago for children between the ages of 5 and 15. It was easy to tell how athletic Rene was, being a foot taller then the rest of the players there. He was a natural leader, even then his peers looked up to him.
My condolences go out to his family and friends. -
- Beach Boy
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:39:35
Like so many others, I am lucky enough to say I met Rene. It is no exageration to say he lit up the room and brought everybody into his comfort zone.
Through his death he has made me, and lots of other people I'm sure, realize just how short life can be...Rene definitely lived life to the fullest while he was with us.
Needless to say, most young Islanders from the Tignish to Souris and from all over Canada are feeling his absence.... -
- Ian
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:35:51
Athlete, scholar, and above all a gentleman. Rest in peace friend.
