What Happened to Kimbo Slice? How Did Kimbo Slice Die? What Did Kimbo Slice Die From?
by Mathelene
Updated May 15, 2023
Who is Kimbo Slice?
Kimbo Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, was an American mixed martial artist and boxer. He was born on February 8, 1974, in Nassau, Bahamas, and later moved to the United States. Kimbo gained popularity through street fights that were recorded and shared on the internet. Before his fighting career, Kimbo worked various jobs, including being a bouncer and a bodyguard. His reputation grew when videos of his street fights went viral, showcasing his raw power and fighting skills.
These street fights attracted millions of viewers on platforms like YouTube. In 2007, Kimbo made his professional MMA debut, fighting in organizations such as EliteXC, Strikeforce, and Bellator. He was known for his intimidating physique, heavy punches, and willingness to engage in stand-up brawls. While he faced criticism for his limited technical abilities, Kimbo's entertaining style attracted a large fan base. In addition to MMA, Kimbo Slice also pursued a career in professional boxing.
He had his first official boxing match in 2011 and won his first seven bouts by knockout. However, his boxing career was cut short when he died unexpectedly on June 6, 2016, at the age of 42 due to heart failure. Kimbo Slice's impact on combat sports extends beyond his record in the ring.
He played a crucial role in popularizing MMA by attracting mainstream attention through his street-fighting videos. Despite his relatively short professional career, Kimbo's charismatic personality and exciting fighting style made him a recognizable figure in the combat sports world.
What Happened to Kimbo Slice?
Kimbo Slice was admitted to a hospital in Margate, Florida, on June 5, 2016, for medical care. The following day, on June 6, 2016, at the age of 42, he tragically passed away while still in the hospital. The cause of his untimely death was reported as heart failure. This unexpected news sent shockwaves through the combat sports community and saddened his fans worldwide.
In the wake of Kimbo Slice's passing, Scott Coker, the CEO of Bellator MMA, expressed his profound grief and condolences. Coker referred to Kimbo as a cherished member of the Bellator family, emphasizing the significant impact Kimbo had made within the organization. His words reflected the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew and worked with Kimbo Slice, highlighting his importance and popularity in the world of mixed martial arts.
Moreover, an autopsy conducted after his death revealed an additional health complication. It was discovered that Kimbo Slice had a mass on his liver. While the specific details and implications of the mass were not disclosed in the rephrasing, this finding underscored the complexity of the circumstances surrounding his passing and added to the overall sense of tragedy.
The combination of heart failure and the presence of a liver mass further highlighted the unexpected nature of Kimbo Slice's death and the complexity of his medical condition. The loss of such a charismatic and well-known figure left a void in the combat sports community, and his legacy continues to be remembered and honored by fans and fellow athletes alike.
How did Kimbo Slice Die?
Kimbo Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, passed away on June 6, 2016, at the age of 42. The cause of his death was heart failure. He had been admitted to a hospital in Margate, Florida, the day before his passing, seeking medical treatment. The sudden and unexpected nature of his death came as a shock to his fans and the combat sports community.
At the time of Kimbo Slice's death, plans were being made to arrange transportation for him to the Cleveland Clinic, where he would have awaited a heart transplant. The rapid deterioration of his condition came as a shock, but the existence of underlying medical issues related to his heart was not unexpected. Kimbo had been dealing with high blood pressure for several years and had been taking medication to manage it.
As his health declined, concerns about his well-being grew more prominent in his household. The gravity of his medical situation was a cause for worry in the final stages leading up to his passing. Kimbo Slice married L. Shontae in May 1994, and they had three children together: RaeChelle, Kevin II, and Kevinah. They also became grandparents to three grandsons named Kevin III, Akieno, and Kimbo-Legacy, as well as a granddaughter named Isis.
Kevin Jr., one of Kimbo's children, followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in mixed martial arts. In addition to his children with L. Shontae, Kimbo Slice had a son named Kevlar and a daughter named Kassandra. He also had two stepdaughters, Rae'Chelle from his first marriage, and Kiara. Kimbo enjoyed spending time with two of his grandsons, K3 and JuJu (Akieno), before his passing.
It's worth noting that Kimbo-Legacy and Isis were born after Kimbo Slice's death, adding to the family's continued growth and legacy. At the time of his death, Kimbo was engaged to his long-time girlfriend, who shared his journey and supported him throughout his career.
His mother said "It hurt so much because I watched him for, I'm gonna say a good month, slowly, really getting to the point of his heart getting bad," says Antoinette Ferguson, Slice's wife. "I watched him go through it. And I guess, the reason why it was so hard for me was because he still fought. He still continued, even at the end, 'I'm fighting my next fight.' He was like, 'I'm going to get up out of this hospital and I'm going to fight.'"
Kimbo Slice Death Cause
On June 5, 2016, Kimbo Slice was admitted to a hospital near his residence in Coral Springs, Florida. Unfortunately, he succumbed to heart failure shortly after experiencing the initial symptoms. He was just 42 years old at the time of his passing and still under contract with Bellator, which added to the tragic nature of his loss.
The MMA community mourned the departure of a beloved figure, considering Kimbo Slice a cult hero. Kimbo Slice left a lasting impact in the world of mixed martial arts and became one of the most recognizable names in UFC history. His influence was far-reaching, serving as an inspiration for numerous fighters, with Jorge Masvidal being a notable example.
Kimbo Slice embodied the aspirations and dreams of many aspiring fighters, demonstrating that through sheer determination and willpower, it was possible to rise to become an MMA hero. Bellator president Scott Coker officially confirmed the news of Kimbo Slice's death. ”We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family,” Coker said in a statement.
“One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport,” he continued. “Outside of the cage, he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo's friends, fans, and teammates.“
Kimbo Slice Biography
Name
Kevin Ferguson
Birth Date
February 8, 1974
Death Date
June 6, 2016
Nationality
American
Profession
American mixed martial artist and boxer
Details
Specification
What Happened to Kimbo Slice - FAQs
Kimbo Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, was an American mixed martial artist and boxer.
Kimbo Slice was admitted to a hospital in Margate, Florida, on June 5, 2016, seeking medical treatment. Unfortunately, he passed away the following day at the age of 42 due to heart failure.
Kimbo Slice died from heart failure.