UFC Heavyweight Shane Del Rosario Passes Away

Two weeks after experiencing "catastrophic cardiovascular collapse" in his home, UFC heavyweight competitor Shane del Rosario has passed away at 30-years-old.

Del Rosario was admitted to the hospital on November 26 after his roommate and fellow UFC fighter Ian McCall found him unconscious at their house. Del Rosario was resuscitated and, despite several false death reports, clung to life for almost two weeks while hospitalized.

From the UFC's official statement: "The Ultimate Fighting Championship mourns the tragic loss of heavyweight competitor Shane Del Rosario, who has passed away at the age of 30. Del Rosario suffered a heart attack on Tuesday, Nov. 26 as a result of what doctors believe to a congenital heart disorder, according to his manager Jason House. The entire organization sends its deepest condolences to Shane's family and friends."

An accomplished kickboxer prior to beginning his MMA career, Del Rosario joined with the UFC in 2012 as part of the acquisition of Strikeforce. He lost to Stipe Miocic in his debut and followed that with a defeat to Pat Barry; prior to those losses, he was undefeated in eleven fights. He had been scheduled to return several times following the loss to Barry, but was forced out of those bouts with injuries.

Doctors believe the fighter suffered from a genetic heart defect called Long QT Syndrome, that is difficult to diagnose prior to an episode like that which del Rosario suffered.