MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson has died suddenly aged 26 after attending a music festival.
Fans are paying tribute to the New Zealand talent who had a 4-3 pro record and last fought only in October.
Wilson was at the Rhythm and Vines festival held in Gisborne to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
New Zealand cops said Wilson, full name Te Hakaraia O Te Rangi Wilson, died a “sudden death” and that it was not suspicious.
Wilson was experienced in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA and had been recently based in the United States.
Touching tributes are now being paid to the Māori fighter, including by Oliver MMA and Fitness Gym, where he was a member.
Steve Oliver wrote: “There are no words that can truly capture what we’re all feeling right now.
“Haks, your legacy will live on in each of us — your smile, your laughter, your warmth, and your warrior spirit.
“Rest easy, knowing your time here, though far too short, left a mark that will never fade.”
Photos showed him training at Soma Fight Club on the Indonesian island of Bali.
Soma also paid tribute to Wilson, saying on Instagram: “With you always.
“Rest easy young warrior, always in our hearts forever more. We will carry you with us into battle always.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Aaron Aby reflects on his battle to beat cancer and become an MMA fighter ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6364400387112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“Until we see you again, we love you Hakaraia.”
Pasifika media outlet thecoconettv wrote a tribute to the fighter on their Insta page.
They posted: “A young, talented & wise Hakaraia Wilson.
“Our heartfelt Condolences to the aiga (family) and whanau (family) of Hakaraia Wilson who was a promising young MMA fighter.
“May you rest with the ancestors you spoke so fondly of.”
In November, Wilson had undergone surgery on his left arm and told fans he would “be back asap” in a subsequent Instagram post.
Friends, family, and fans paid tribute to Wilson in the comments on his Instagram account.
One follower wrote: “Rest easy bro.”
Another posted: “My Bro love you man may you rest in peace.”
In a 2020 interview with Te Ao Māori News, Wilson paid tribute to his dad for getting him into the sport at an early age.
“He was a fighter back in the day and, as I was growing up, I’d go to his training and watch him.
“From then I knew what I wanted to do and so, without my dad I probably wouldn’t have chosen to do this sport.”
