21-Year-Old Australian MMA Fighter Dies Due to Rare Condition Triggered by Intense Gym Training

An Australian, 21-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete, Jake Sendler, has passed away due to a life-threatening muscle condition brought on by too much physical activity. News.com.au informs that Sendler, an amateur MMA fighter and fitness trainer, collapsed in a fight in Melbourne this month. He was subsequently diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious and unusual illness that releases toxic chemicals into the body.

Unaware of His Illness Until It Was Too Late

Sendler remained unaware of his illness until it became too late. He was suddenly taken to the hospital and admitted to intensive care. His family disclosed that he struggled hard during several surgeries but eventually lost the battle against the sickness after days spent in a medically induced coma.

Doctors Were Unable To Save Him

Jake Sendler died on March 13. His mother, Sharone Sendler, reported the heartbreaking experience when doctors told the family nothing more could be done.

“When we went in to the ICU, the doctor told us when they opened him up again (during another emergency operation), there was just too much tissue that had died and there was so much damage, there was nothing more they could do,” she said to News.com.au.

“I told him, ‘It’s alright baby, you can sleep now, you fought so hard’ and I kissed him on the forehead, and he died. It was the worst moment of my life.”

Severe Case of Rhabdomyolysis

The Stuff quoted physicians as having described Sendler’s condition as the worst case of rhabdomyolysis they had ever seen. Rhabdomyolysis happens when muscle tissue degenerates, and the toxins that result from it spill into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney failure and serious damage to organs. It manifests with intense pain in muscles, fatigue, and dark urine.

Unrecognized Symptoms Amid Intense Training

Sendler had been training intensely for an amateur MMA bout, working hard despite deteriorating symptoms. His ongoing muscle soreness was not cause for concern, as he was used to intense training. When he saw tea-colored urine, he drank more fluids, thinking dehydration was the issue.

His family pointed out that he was known to have a healthy lifestyle, eating only organic foods and adhering to a strict fitness regimen.

Mother’s Mission to Raise Awareness

After the tragic loss, Ms. Sendler is committed to raising awareness regarding rhabdomyolysis, referring to it as a “silent killer” to avoid other families going through the same suffering. A fundraising page has been set up in Jake’s memory.

“With deep sorrow, we report the devastating news that Jake has died. Jake was not only a fighter in the MMA arena but also a warrior in life,” the page says.

“A committed athlete, caring coach, loving son, brother, and friend, Jake’s big heart, endless energy, and steadfast encouragement touched all who knew him deeply.”