A fighter close to Shawn Tompkins says the renowned trainer passed away this morning.
Veteran lightweight John Gunderson today told MMAjunkie.com that Tompkins "didn't wake up," but he was still unclear on the details surrounding his passing.
Longtime friend and confidant Chris Horodecki said the trainer was in Canadia and had spoken to him yesterday but was unaware of the bad news when contacted today. Additional sources ultimately confirmed the trainer's death, though details weren't immediately available.
Tompkins first emerged on the national MMA scene as a coach in the now-defunct International Fight League. He was first an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Anacondas and was later promoted to head coach after MMA legend Bas Rutten stepped down from the role to assume a commentator position. He later split with the company. Tompkins then migrated to Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas and served as a coach there before splitting with the gym and joining the TapouT Training Facility.
The coach, who also competed professionally for a handful of fights a decade ago, nurtured the careers of several notable fighters in his career, including Gunderson, Horodecki, Sam Stout and Mark Hominick. Tompkins was 37 years old. He is survived by his wife, Emilie Tompkins (sister of Sam Stout).
Sources: MMA Junkie, Wikipedia
whats happening when a "young"healthy guy like him passing away... I cant belive it!