More information has emerged in the tragic heart attack death of 30-year-old UFC Heavyweight Shane del Rosario. Del Rosario was found unconscious in his home by roommate Ian McCall on November 26 and died in the hospital on December 3 although his death was not announced until December 9.
MMA Junkie got the scoop:
A death certificate issued Wednesday by the Orange County (Calif.) coroner's office said the 30-year-old fighter suffered brain damage from a lack of oxygen to the brain, an abnormal heart rhythm commonly associated with heart attacks and a congenital heart disorder.
The immediate causes of death were listed as anoxic encephalopathy, ventricular fibrillation and Long QT Syndrome. But the death certificate also listed "other significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause;" namely cocaine, opiates and THC were present in the fighter's body.
Del Rosario (11-2, 0-2 UFC) had been expected to face Guto Innocente at UFC 168 but had withdrawn from the bout due to a rib injury prior to his heart attack. Del Rosario lost his final bout to Pat Barry via 2nd round KO at the Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale in December, 2012.
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