Jungle Fight referee dies in motorcycle accident in Rio

Alessandro Souza (photo) was a referee at Jungle and on the national circuit. Photo: Reproduction

Brazilian MMA is in mourning. On the afternoon of this Sunday (10), the referee of the Jungle Fight Alessandro Souza, 46 years old, victim of a motorcycle accident. The collision that killed the referee occurred around 13 pm on the Lagoa-Barra Highway.

See too

Amanda Lemos and Mayra Cantuária have an undefeated duel at Jungle Fight 85

McGregor responds to Mayweather's racist thesis and challenges: 'We can organize a fight'

Sponsor announces GSP's return, but backtracks

Alessandro, who crashed into a tree after losing control of his motorcycle, was taken alive to Miguel Couto Hospital, but did not survive surgery and died at 16pm as a result of brain trauma and pneumothorax.

In addition to being a professional referee, working in the Jungle Fight For the last four years, Alessandro was also a member of the Carioca Muay Thai League and a Thai boxing teacher. She leaves behind a wife and a three-year-old son. Her wake will take place from 12pm this Monday (11), at the São João Batista Cemetery, and the burial will be at 16:30pm.

In an official note, the Jungle Fight mourned the death of Alessandro Souza:

“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our great friend and journey companion Alessandro Souza, today, January 10, 2016. His death took us by surprise and took him away from us suddenly. In this moment of pain and consternation, we can only ask God to enlighten you and give you peace, and may God give comfort to your family so that they can face this immeasurable pain with serenity.

We are immensely grateful for the time we were able to spend with him, who will always be remembered for his professionalism, honesty, loyalty, intelligence, competence and sensitivity in dealing with adversity and human conflicts. We must always remember that God wants the best at his side, and our friend is certainly already at the Lord's side carrying out a new mission.

We leave our most sincere condolences to family and friends.”