Del Rosario family aims to set up foundation

Late last month Shane del Rosario suffered a catastrophic cardiovascular collapse. He was found by UFC flyweight Ian McCall, who called 911, and administered CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived. Del Rosario was brought to the hospital in full cardiac arrest.

He was resuscitated in the ER, and returned back to stable heart rhythm and blood pressure. He underwent an Arctic Sun procedure, raising his core temperature in hopes that his brain would activate. Unfortunately, it was not successful; del Rosario, 30, was moved onto life support and showed no brain activity.

Tragically, Del Rosario passed away on Sunday.

When a highly conditioned athlete suffers an apparently fatal cardiac event at the age 30, fans naturally question why. Del Rosario’s manager Jason House suggested it could have been the result of Long QT Syndrome, a rare heart condition.

Doctors believe he may suffer from a rare condition called Long QT Syndrome, which is a genetic anomaly that can cause a sudden and life-threatening heart rhythm abnormality, and may result in sudden death. Tragically, it strikes healthy young people and often is the first and only presentation of a heart problem.

FightMedicine.net founder Dr. Jon Gelber explained that Long QT Syndrome is an abnormality in the heart’s conduction pathway and affects about one in 2,000 people. Those afflicted can suffer rapid heartbeats that can trigger a sudden fainting spell, seizure or sudden death.

Del Rosarios’ family released a statement on Tuesday in which it announced that it would honor his wishes by donating his organs. The family is looking into creating a foundation to support Long QT research.

The statement, in full:

It is with great sadness that the family of Shane Del Rosario shares that he succumbed as a result of his sudden cardiac arrest on November 26th. The family expresses their extreme gratitude to the paramedics, doctors, nurses and staff who worked tirelessly in an effort to save him. Also, to the many friends and family that reached out in support and love of Shane at the hospital and via social media. It has been truly amazing to realize just how many lives Shane touched in such a positive way. As always, Shane fought hard, but it was his time to go in peace. We will miss his huge smile, his huge bear hugs, his gift of giving to others, and his Aloha spirit. He was larger than life.

Shane excelled in multiple sports, but many of you know him as a professional fighter. He fought with courage and never gave up even in the most difficult situations. He was very proud that he was the first American to win the WBC World Heavyweight Muay Thai Championship and was honored to have represented his country successfully fighting for Team USA in the M-1 Global Tournament. What he learned in sports were “life lessons” for him that he transferred to everything he did in life.

Shane spent almost every summer in Lanai City, Hawaii where his grandparents instilled Lanai’s island and plantation values such as unconditional love and pride for the Ohana, loyalty to family and friends, duty, honesty, integrity, courage, and love of country. Shane loved Hawaii and embraced its culture. He was passionate about helping others and was always there to offer a helping hand, a smile, and encouragement to anyone, not only family and friends, but also to strangers. He always put others before himself and would give the shirt off his back. He brought genuine joy and happiness to everyone he touched.

Shane lived up to his Hawaiian name, Kalani, Royal Warrior. He was a warrior and protector of his family, friends, and anyone that needed help. Now he is a Heavenly warrior and will continue his good works on a higher plane. Shane is now an Aumakua and will watch over us forever.

Shane leaves a legacy of giving to others. In that spirit it was Shane’s wish to donate his organs in hope of saving the precious lives of others. The family is also exploring establishing a scholarship fund for disadvantaged children and setting up a foundation, the Shane Del Rosario Long QT Foundation. Long QT Syndrome is the genetic anomaly that may have contributed to his passing.

When more information is made available about services and/or the charitable foundation, we will report it here.

Despite his tragic end, veryone has beautiful memories of Del Rosario. This is one of them: