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A very sad day for the mixed martial arts (MMA) community.
Up-and-coming featherweight prospect Jordan Parsons, who was expected to compete at Bellator 154 later this month, died on Wednesday (May 4, 2016) as a result of injuries sustained during his hit-and-run accident last weekend in Delray Beach, Florida.
He was just 25 years old.
From Bellator MMA president Scott Coker:
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a dear member of the Bellator family, Jordan Parsons. Jordan was an exceptional athlete and a rising star in the sport. But more importantly, he was an exceptional young man. Jordan was hard-working, dedicated, intelligent, and a pleasure to be around. He represented all the reasons we love this sport. It is a terribly tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates."
The driver who struck and ultimately killed "Pretty Boy" is still at large.
That said, police in Delray Beach are asking for the public's help in tracking down the suspect, who was reportedly driving a silver 2012-13 Range Rover Sport, which is now missing one of its mirrors and may have incurred damage to its left side (see pics here).
Parsons (11-2) made his Bellator debut back in early 2014, quickly racking up back-to-back wins -- and finishes -- over Tim Bazer and Julio Cesar Neves. His last outing ended with a close, split-decision loss to collegiate wrestling standout Bubba Jenkins.