Jake Sendler was ‘feeling really good’ the day before his MMA fight on March 2 but following the bout he was rushed to hospital and the 21-year-old tragically died just days later
A young MMA fighter and personal trainer tragically died from a “silent killer” condition just two weeks after admitting he felt “amazing”.
Jake Sendler, from Melbourne, Australia, was rushed to hospital after his MMA fight on March 2, with the 21-year-old struggling to breathe and in a lot of pain throughout. Medics and coaches had initially thought the PT was dehydrated but when he arrived at the hospital, doctors diagnosed Jake with rhabdomyolysis. He was placed into intensive care and after days of being in an induced coma and undergoing multiple surgeries, he died on March 13 – within two weeks of being hospitalised.
Rhabdomyolysis happens when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood as these can damage the heart and kidneys and cause permanent disability or even death. Symptoms include muscle pain, exhaustion and dark urine. Jake’s mum, Sharone Sendler, described her son’s death as the “worst moment of my life”.
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She told news.com.au: “When we got into the ICU, the doctor said when they opened him up again (in another emergency surgery) there was just too much tissue that had died and there was so much damage, there was nothing more they could do. I said to him, ‘it’s OK baby, you can rest now, you fought so hard’ and I kissed him on the forehead and he passed away. It was the worst moment of my life.”
Jake was known to be extremely healthy and only ate organic foods. Described as “full of energy” and “the light of the room”, Jake admitted he felt “amazing” in a video the day before his fight on March 2. “Feeling really good, excited, pumped,” he said.
The young fighter was cleared medically to fight and lasted the full three rounds of the bout. “We’ve had a few days of shock and lots and lots of tears and ‘why?’ and trying to understand like how this could have happened and how no one knows about this (rhabdo) and he didn’t know, and his gym didn’t know and everyone we talk to,” Ms Sendler said.
“It can happen to anyone … had we known about the early signs, Jake could potentially still be here.”
Jake, who was studying to become a PE teacher, also had his Certificate IV in Youth Work and worked with children in addition to training his adult clients. Ms Sendler, 42, says “hundreds” of people have got in contact with her to pass on their best wishes and she now hopes to keep her son’s legacy alive by raising awareness about rhabdo so other families “never ever go through pain we felt”.
The family have set up a Go Fund Me page following Jake’s death and so far more than $35,000 AUD (£17,000) has been raised. “We’re going to as a family make sure his legacy lives on. We’re going to keep going with his dreams of helping athletes and inspiring youths to be great but also look after themselves because you can’t be great if you’re not here,” Ms Sendler said. “If he could be here I know he’d be changing lives so we’re going to continue that for him.”
Podcast Australian MMA and Jake’s club Mat Masters Academy described Jake as “a true warrior both in the ring and in life”. “With heavy hearts, we share the loss of Jake a true warrior both in the ring and in life. His generosity, strength, and unwavering support touched all who knew him,” a shared post on Instagram read.
“Jake’s silent battle with rhabdomyolysis ultimately claimed his life, but his spirit remains unbroken. You can honour Jake by raising awareness of this life-threatening condition and supporting his family through donations or by sharing his story.
“Jake’s legacy lives on in the strength and kindness he shared with the world. Rest in power, Jake. Your fight continues through us.”
One person in the comments said: “So sad to hear this tragic news about Jake. Condolences to all his family, friends and teammates. Rest In Peace Jake.”
Another added: “So sorry to hear this news!! Sincere condolences to the family and all who knew Jake through all of his pursuits. It was a privilege to call his last performance at RTD#3 along with Nick Patterson and the team. Once again, so sorry for your loss.”