MMA
MMA fighter tragically dies on New Year’s Day: what happened to Hakaraia Wilson?
Paddy Pimblett had been training with Wilson, a promising fighter from New Zealand, in the United States prior to his death on January 1.
The mixed martial arts community is mourning the death of one of its fighters. Hakaraia Wilson, 26, passed away “suddenly” after attending the traditional ‘Rhythm and Vines’ music festival in Gisborne, New Zealand, on January 1.
Hakaraia Wilson dies: what was the cause of death?
British MMA fighter Paddy Pimblett revealed on Instagram that Wilson had committed suicide.
New Zealand police had classified Wilson’s death as “sudden” and “non-suspicious” after he attended the festival, which is held every New Year’s in his country. “With deep sadness, we share the passing of a true pillar of our family and community: our brother, Hakaraia Wilson,” shared Oliver MMA gym in Australia on their X account, mourning the fighter’s death.
Hakaraia practiced jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. He began his amateur fighting career in 2020, recording four wins and three losses in MMA.
Paddy Pimblett devastated by Hakaraia Wilson death
He had moved to the United States to train and fight, where he had hooked up with UFC fighter Pimblett. The British fighter shared a photo with him on his Instagram account, offering extra information the cause of Wilson’s death than had been shared by New Zealand police and media.
“Still can’t believe the news I got yesterday, one of my training partners when I train in San Diego, Haka has taken his own life. Always had a smile on his face and laughing on the mat so to hear this utterly shocked me. So again as I always say MEN PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE BEFORE TAKING YOUR OWN LIFE! R.I.P Haka brother,” posted Paddy, confirmed Wilson had taken his own life.
Original article written by Cristina Parra, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.
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