Competitor dies at BJJ event in Poland

Grapplerinfo.pl has reported that a competitor died during a gi BJJ event on Saturday at Lubo?skiego Sports and Recreation Centre in Lublon, Poland. Event organizers released an official statement on Facebook, translated by the excellent BJJee.

During our competition, one of competitors died. Some time after the match, in anticipation of the medal, he fainted. Despite immediate medical assistance by rescuers, they failed to save him. In connection with this very unpleasant for us total event, we decided to advance the end of the tournament. Information regarding compensation for players who did not have time to fight, will appear in a few days.

The death did not occur during a match, but rather some minutes afterwards, as the competitor was waiting for his gold medal. There was speculation that the cause of death for the 37-year-old was a heart attack. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

Out of respect, at about 3:00 p.m. event organizers declined to continue with the tournament after the tragedy.

This is the first known case worldwide of a death during a BJJ tournament, which have a remarkably low injury rate for a combat sport.