Sumo wrestler Hibikiryu died of acute respiratory failure on Wednesday a month after suffering a neck injury during a bout at the March tournament in Tokyo, the Japan Sumo Association announced. He was 28.
Hibikiryu, whose real name was Mitsuki Amano, belonged to the Sakaigawa stable, He was ranked in the fourth-tier sandanme division.
On March 26, the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hibikiryu landed heavily on his neck as he lost his match. Unable to stand, he was taken out of the ring on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a hospital.
Hibikiryu became the second active wrestler to die within a year. In May last year, sandanme wrestler Shobushi died at 28 after being infected with the novel coronavirus.
A native of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Hibikiryu started his career in May 2011. His highest career rank was No. 24 sandanme.
"All of us in the association express our sincerest condolences," said JSA Chairman Hakkaku, former yokozuna Hokutoumi. "He fought to recover with strong diligence under the tender care of his family, his stablemaster and others."
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