Family issue heartbreaking warning after athlete, 21, dies suddenly from rare condition
The amateur MMA fighter was rushed to the hospital not long after his final fight
Gerrard Kaonga
A mother has spoken of the ‘worst moment of her life’ as her son died not long after competing in an amateur fight due to a rare condition
Jake Sendler was only 21 when he passed away after suffering from a rare condition that was later identified after a fight.
Sendler was an amateur MMA fight from Australia and his family has spoken out after they were stunned by his sudden passing.
He died on March 13, just 11 days after he was admitted to hospital following an MMA bout.
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Speaking to News.com, Sendler’s mother Sharon explained that her son was suffering from muscle soreness and discoloration in his urine, but ultimately didn’t think much of it.
As it was the lead up to his amateur fight on March 2 and was training, he believed it was simply because he was dehydrated.
Sendler was even medically cleared to compete in his three round fight. While he did last the full length of the fight, Sendler ended up being helped out of the ring and an ambulance was called to take him to hospital.
It was here that he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.
According to a report by the Cleveland Clinic, rhabdomyolysis is a rare muscle injury where your muscles break down.
The report read: “This is a life-threatening condition that can happen after an injury or excessive exercise without rest. If you notice symptoms like weak and sore muscles and color changes in your pee, contact your healthcare provider.”
Speaking about her son’s passing, his Sharon Sendler said: “When we got into the ICU, the doctor said when they opened him up again (in another emergency surgery) there was just too much tissue that had died and there was so much damage, there was nothing more they could do.
"I said to him, ‘It’s OK, baby, you can rest now, you fought so hard’ and I kissed him on the forehead and he passed away. It was the worst moment of my life."
A GoFundme page has since been set up for Sendler to help pay for honoring him as well as raise awareness about rhabdomyolysis.
The organizer of Sendler’s final fight released a statement on social media following his death and praised the athlete.
The statement read: "Road to HEX is deeply saddened by the passing of amateur MMA fighter Jake Sendler. His dedication, talent, and spirit will be greatly missed.
"We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and everyone at Mat Masters Academy."