On Tuesday evening outside his residence in Akron, Ohio, Bellator bantamweight fighter Isaiah Chapman was shot and killed. He was 30 years old.
The Akron Beacon Journal, citing Akron police Lt. Michael Miller, said on Wednesday that officers responded to a telephone call that gun shots were fired at 9:40 p.m. local time. When police officers reported to the scene, they found Chapman laying in the street with multiple gun shot wounds. Chapman was then taken to Summa Akron City Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Bellator released a statement late Wednesday evening on Chapman's death.
"Bellator is saddened by the news of Isaiah Chapman’s passing," the promotion said. "Our deepest and most sincere condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
Chapman started fighting in 2010 before turning professional in 2012. His career record was 9-4 with one fight in the World Series of Fighting (now PFL). He fought one time in Bellator, where he lost by first-round submission to Patrick Mix at Bellator 232 in October.
Chapman is survived by one son and two daughters. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help with Chapman's funeral cost.