In 2008, the MMA world was rocked with word that former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion, Evan Tanner, had died in the California desert. Tanner was coming off a loss to Kendal Grove at the Ultimate Fighter 7 finale, and wanted to find himself alone in the desert.
He passed away a mile and a half from his camp, having hiked back from Clapp Spring looking for water. He sent out several text messages to friends, letting them know that if they didn't hear from him in the morning, to call search and rescue.
At the time, no one knew the reason for his death. Due to his troubles late in life, especially his alcoholism, some suspected that he went into the desert with no desire to return. It made sense, Tanner had several terrible bouts with alcoholism, that had taken its toll on his body.
Those beliefs were supported when the coroner's office detected traces of alcohol in Tanner's body. If Tanner was drinking, it meant that he had relapsed into alcoholism. If that was the case, it was like that he wasn't of sound mind or body to survive the desert environment.
However, in this upcoming film by Boddy Razak and TapOut that dissects Tanner's last days, the initial belief is no long supported. Razak was able to secure interviews with the Sheriff's department and coroner's office to discuss Tanner's death.
Unfortunately, the film isn't finished. The above video is just a teaser. I know that I'd love for this film to be made as I was a huge Evan Tanner fan. I loved the other Tanner documentary 'Once I was a Champion', and this one seems just as interesting.
If you would like to help with the making of this movie, check out the IndieGoGo page here.
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