Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou announced the tragic passing of his 15-month-old son Kobe on Monday.
Ngannou took to social media to confirm the heartbreaking news that had been circulating earlier.
“Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone,” Ngannou wrote. “My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.
“I was my best self next to him and now I have no [clue] of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most.
“How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”
The circumstances surrounding Kobe’s passing remain unclear.
Ngannou’s social media post earlier on Monday hinted at his son’s tragic demise, prompting his coach Eric Nicksick to ask followers for support for Ngannou and his family.
It’s been a heavy few days, words can’t express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time. Please keep Francis and his family in your heart, and may this be a reminder of the fragility of life. Say “I love you,” more often, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. ❤️ https://t.co/V6QVzbXKVi
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) April 29, 2024
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, has faced significant challenges in his career, including a recent transition to boxing where he faced top opponents like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Despite his successes in the fighting world, Ngannou’s focus has now shifted to dealing with the profound loss of his son Kobe.