Legendary Brazilian grappler Leandro Lo has been shot dead after allegedly confronting a man with a gun at a party.
The eight time jiu-jitsu world champion was killed at a Sao Paulo nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning after a confrontation with a military police officer. According to a police report obtained by Combate, Officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo is a suspect in the murder investigation,
Witnesses say the argument began when Velozo grabbed a bottle from Lo's table at the venue. The 33-year old Lo is said to have responded by taking the man down to the ground, reports The Daily Star.
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After they had been pulled apart, Velozo is alleged to have pulled out a gun and shot Lo in the head.
Lo was taken to Dr. Arthur Ribeiro de Saboya hospital where he was declared brain dead. Earlier this year he had won his eighth world championship, making him one of the sport's most decorated fighters.
Tributes have poured in since his tragic passing. Former UFC fighter Kenny Florian tweeted: "A very sad day for the BJJ community. Leandro was a legend."
Commentator John Gooden wrote: "Saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Leandro Lo. One of the greatest Jiu-jitsu players ever. Absolutely tragic. My condolences to his family and friends."
Former heavyweight champion-turned-broadcaster Josh Thomson posted: "The word legend is thrown around way to much in sports but it can’t be thrown around enough when it comes to your name in Jiu Jitsu. Leandro Lo, my heart and prayers to your family my brother. Rest easy my friend."
Another ex-UFC star, Kay Hansen, said: "This whole week has been heavy with news of sickened and death. Hold your loved ones close, bc you literally never know. Things can change in an instant." And Dillion Danis wrote: "RIP my brother Leandro Lo."
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