Shane del Rosario, a mixed martial arts fighter with an infectious smile and giving nature, died late Sunday in a California hospital at just 30 years old, the UFC announced on Monday. Earlier in the day, del Rosario's close friend, flyweight fighter Ian McCall, confirmed the news on Twitter.
Del Rosario suffered a heart attack on Nov. 26 in his home in Newport Beach, Calif.. His manager, Jason House, said several days later that doctors suspected del Rosario had a genetic condition called Long QT Syndrome.
According to Yahoo Health, LQTS is "a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. These rapid heartbeats may trigger a sudden fainting spell or seizure. In some cases, your heart may beat erratically for so long that it can cause sudden death."
An official cause of death has not been released.
In its statement announcing his death, the UFC said:
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.
RIP.
