MMA fighter Jordan Parsons dies from hit-and-run injuries

Promising mixed martial artist Jordan Parsons died Wednesday from injuries suffered in a hit-and-run accident in Delray Beach, Florida, around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Bellator MMA featherweight was 25 years old.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a dear member of the Bellator family, Jordan Parsons,” Bellator president Scott Coker said in a statement. “Jordan was an exceptional athlete and a rising star in the sport. But more importantly, he was an exceptional young man. Jordan was hard-working, dedicated, intelligent, and a pleasure to be around. He represented all the reasons we love this sport. It is a terribly tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates.”

Parsons was walking in a crosswalk when he was struck by a driver in a Range Rover who fled the scene. Police believe he was wearing headphones at the time.

Parsons had his leg amputated shortly after the accident and had been in a coma since Sunday.

UFC star Anthony Johnson, a training partner of Parsons, mourned the loss on Facebook.

“Jordan I’m so so so sorry bro…,” Johnson wrote. “We miss you already! Say hi to my pop for me and all of the other legends in heaven. Keep that smile glowing. Rest In Paradise Jordan.”

Another teammate with the Blackzilians, kickboxing star Tyrone Spong, posted a picture of Parsons on his Instagram account.

“Rest in peace Jordan Parsons @prettyboymma_jp,” Spong wrote. “The pain and suffering is over! You kept fighting and never gave up! Have a safe journey to the other side and keep that beautiful smile on your face! We all miss you brother, and we all love you!”

Eddie Alvarez, who is preparing for a UFC lightweight title shot against Rafael dos Anjos in July, was another training partner of Parsons.

“Combat Forces a Man to live fully, seek challenges, face fears,(and) most of all, take a Swing #JordanLived,” Alvarez posted on Twitter.

The hit-and-run occurred on Lindell Blvd. and South Federal Highway. Police are still seeking a suspect, who is believed to have been driving a 2012 or 2013 Range Rover.

Parsons was 11-2 as a professional and coming off a loss to Bubba Jenkins in November. He was scheduled to face Adam Piccolotti on May 14 on the main card of Bellator 154 in San Jose, California.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj