But Sunday morning, between midnight and 1 a.m., the MMA fighter was struck by a Range Rover on Lindell Boulevard and South Federal Highway in Delray Beach. The car fled, leaving Parsons severely injured. Parsons' right leg was partially amputated. Later, at Delray Medical Center, Parsons’ full right leg was amputated because of preliminary organ failure. He is currently in a coma.
The news has shattered the MMA community. “Jordan Parsons is a member of the Bellator family and we will be there for him in any way that we can on his long road to recovery,” says Danny Brenner, spokesperson for Bellator, the MMA promotion company that sponsors Parsons. “We’re monitoring his situation closely and we hope to have more news soon.”
Delray Beach Police are still looking for information about the hit-and-run. Investigators believe that Parsons was walking in the crosswalk with headphones on. In the meantime, an online fundraiser for Parsons has gathered more than $26,809 from 405 people in the past day. The money is going to Parsons’ medical bills.
People who know Parsons commented with kind words.
“I brought my 17-year-old son to train,” says one woman. “You were always so kind and you were a good role model for my son.”
Another wrote: “Very sad to find out what you’re going through. You are a warrior and will push through this like you do everything else.”
“Such an awful thing to happen to such a nice, young man,” another wrote.
Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Parsons wrestled on his high school team in Michigan and then started competing as an amateur MMA fighter in 2008, when he was 17. In 2010, he launched his professional career. He has been sponsored by Championship Fighting Alliance, Driller Promotions, and, since 2014, Bellator MMA.
Delray Beach Police are still looking for the driver that struck Parsons and offering a $1,000 reward. Anyone with information is asked to call 561-243-7800.
Investigators think the hit-and-run suspect vehicle looks like this with damage to driver's side front headlight. pic.twitter.com/zmgbx3PCPG
— Delray Beach Police (@DelrayBeachPD) May 2, 2016
This mirror left at the scene of hit-and-run crash belongs to a 2012-13 grey Range Rover Sport. @CrimeStoppersPB pic.twitter.com/68CNeHg3SG
— Delray Beach Police (@DelrayBeachPD) May 2, 2016