- New Zealand’s Hakaria Wilson died in Gisborne
- Star had been based in the USA, last fought in October
- If you need support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
The death of 26-year-old mixed martial arts star Hakaria Wilson has thrown the sport into mourning after he passed away in New Zealand last Wednesday.
Wilson, who boasted a record of four wins and three losses as a professional, was in Gisborne in the country’s North Island when he died and was there to attend the Rhythm and Vines music festival.
Police found his body when they were called to attend to a sudden death, with a spokesperson saying, ‘The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.’
Wilson had his most recent fight on October 27 last year, beating Mark Alcoba by technical knockout in Bali.
He revealed he’d had a successful operation in an Instagram post six weeks ago, writing, ‘Surgery done. Be back asap.’
Hakaria Wilson (pictured left in his last fight) has died aged 26 in New Zealand
The Kiwi star had recently revealed he’d had successful surgery. Police have announced they are not treating his death as suspicious
The Kiwi star had been recently based in the States and had made a lot of friends in the MMA community.
Tributes for Wilson flooded social media once the news was announced.
‘Fly high brother,’ posted UFC star Dan Hooker alongside a photo of Wilson.
‘Heartbreaking!’ posted UFC contender Kai Kara-France . ‘Fly high my Maori. Too many of our young tane taken too soon.’
More to come…
