SEATTLE - The world of mixed martial arts is in mourning after news broke out that former UFC fighter Geane Herrera passed away at the age of 33 after a fatal motorcycle accident on Saturday, May 18.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles told TMZ that the incident happened late at night at the Gandy Bridge in Tampa, Florida, as Herrera crashed into the back of another vehicle at a "very high rate of speed."
Florida Highway Patrol troopers say he crashed into the back of a Jeep Grand Cherokee as Herrera was trying to overtake the vehicle, he then went off the roadway and struck a concrete barrier. Herrera's motorcycle burst into flames after the impact.
The 33-year-old mixed martial artist, of Colombian descent, made his debut in the sport in March of 2011 and three years later signed a deal with UFC. As a member of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Herrera made his debut in 2015 against Ray Borg and had four fights with the promotion before being released in 2016.
After being released by UFC, he moved to Absolute Championship Berkut n 2018 and won his only fight before moving to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2019 where he only fought once as he suffered an injury that prevented him from fighting again. He finished his MMA career with a record of 10-3, six of those wins coming via submission.
According to authorities, the Colombian-American died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the crash.
BKFC officials confirmed the tragic news on May 20, along with a GoFundMe set up by Herrera's family to help with funeral expenses. It has already received over $18,000 dollars in donations.
"Our family is devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Geane Carlos Herrera, known in the professional fighting world as 'La Pulga,' whose life was cut way too short at only 33 years old," Herrera's family wrote in the GoFundMe.
The 33-year-old, who was just days shy of his 34th birthday, leaves behind a 16-year-old son as well as his three-month pregnant girlfriend.
According to the GoFundMe, a Celebration of Life Service to honor Herrera's life will take place on May 22 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET at the Boza & Roel Funeral Home in Tampa, Florida.
"Geane was a hustler and started doing all kinds of odd jobs to make ends-meet and make sure his kids and family was taken care of. Geane coming from an immigrant family wanted to make the difference and make is Colombian-American community proud."
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