Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend who won eight world championships dies after being ‘shot in the head by a police officer’ at a concert
- Leandro Lo died after being shot in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sunday, his lawyer said
- The 33-year-old was one of the greatest Brazilian jiu-jitsu players in the world
- Policeman Henrique Otavio Oliviera Velozo is being sought over his death
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Leandro Lo died on Sunday after being shot in the head, his lawyer has confirmed.
The 33-year-old Lo, whose full name was Leandro Lo Pereira do Nascimento, was at a concert in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo when he got into an altercation with another man and was shot in the forehead.
He was taken to hospital but was declared brain dead hours later.
Lo never regained consciousness after being rushed to hospital with a gunshot wound to his forehead on Sunday
The police report into the death states that a witness saw policeman Henrique Otavio Oliviera Velozo grab a bottle from Lo’s table at the concert at the Clube Sirio and made threatening gestures with it just before his death, according to a report on MMA Fighting.
That resulted in Lo pinning Velozo to the ground and when they were separated, the officer allegedly pulled a gun and shot the fighter in the forehead.
He was taken to Dr Arthur Ribeiro de Saboya Hospital but never regained consciousness.
Media in Sao Paulo reported that a murder investigation is underway and Velozo remains at large.
Lo was one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes of all time, having won eight World Championships as a black belt since 2012.
The 33-year-old was a giant in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, winning eight world titles and a long list of fans who took to social media to express their shock at his death
He added several International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation trophies to his long list of achievements, with eight Pan-American titles, seven Copa Podio grand prix, two European Opens and four Brazilian Nationals to his credit.
Lo’s death sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts world, with stars and pundits paying tribute to him on social media.
Former UFC fighter Kenny Florian called it, ‘A very sad day for the BJJ community. Leandro was a legend.’
He was joined by Brazilian former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Dantos, who tweeted: ‘Rest in peace champ’ accompanied by a praying emoji.
UFC commentator John Gooden spoke for many when he 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.