Mauricio Zingano, husband and trainer of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women's bantamweight contender Cat Zingao, was found dead in his home in Denver, Colorado, late last night (Jan. 13, 2014) of an apparent suicide.
He was just 37 years old.
Cat released a statement today (via MMA Weekly) regarding the death of her husband and father of their one year-old son.
Late yesterday evening, I learned that my husband and soul mate of seven years, Mauricio Zingano, has passed away.
My life has changed irrevocably. I am shocked and deeply saddened. Thankfully, my family and friends are coming together to provide the support I need. I am grateful for them, as I know there are many difficult days ahead.
I also very much appreciate the outpour of support from the jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts world. My husband was well known and respected in this close-knit community and I know he would appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers, as do I.
At this time, I respectfully ask everyone to give me privacy as I gather with relatives and friends. Again, I give thanks to all for the kind words and support.
Sincerely,
Cat Zingano
Aside from being a loving father and husband, Mauricio was also a skilled jiu-jitsu instructor and served as "Alpha's" head trainer as he helped her rise through the ranks of women's MMA and eventually find her way into the UFC Octagon.
If you would like to donate money to Cat and her son in their time of need, click here.