Jake Sendler dead aged 21: Broken mum sends warning after MMA star son dies from injury linked to gruelling workouts
MMA fighter Jake Sendler has tragically died at the age of just 21 after unknowingly suffering from a muscle condition.
Sendler was rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma after a fight in Melbourne on March 3.
He subsequently underwent multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, but could not be saved.
It emerged that Sendler had unknowingly been suffering from rhabdomyolysis before he died, a condition that causes muscles to break down as a result of overexertion, an underlying health condition or trauma.
The disintegrated muscle fibres and toxins enter the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney failure.
Sendler allegedly had to drop a dangerous amount of weight before the bout.
A member of the fight industry told the Herald Sun: “He told people he trained with on the Friday before the fight, approximately 48 hours before stepping into the ring, that he still had five to six kilos to drop.
“Given that he typically weighs around 75kg, that means he was attempting to lose nearly seven per cent of his total body weight in two days.”
Sendler’s mother, Sharone, has described her son as a “warrior” following his tragic death.
She said: “Jake was an absolute warrior, such a good man. He would never want this to happen to anyone.
“Our message is to listen to your bodies, but keep being great and follow your dreams.”
Sharone went on to say that Sendler had muscle pain in the lead-up to his final fight as well as dark urine, both of which are symptoms of rhabdomyolysis.
She continued: “Jake, because he works so hard, he put those things down to him training so much.
“He went into that ring and gave everything like he was already suffering.
“So we know now that his body had already given in and his kidneys were already at 40 per cent. And he fought the three rounds.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Sendler’s honour, with donations going to his family and funeral costs as well as organisations raising awareness for rhabdomyolysis.
A message from his loved ones on the page read: “With profound sadness, we share the heartbreaking news that Jake has passed away. Jake was not only a fighter in the MMA ring but also a true warrior in life.
“A dedicated athlete, compassionate coach, beloved son, brother, and friend, Jake’s generous heart, boundless energy, and unwavering support deeply touched everyone who knew him.
“Whether training with team-mates, enjoying the outdoors, fishing, or spending time at the beach, Jake’s infectious positivity uplifted all those around him. He selflessly devoted himself to others, embodying strength and kindness in equal measure.
“Unbeknownst to Jake, he faced a silent yet severe threat: rhabdomyolysis (“rhabdo”), a life-threatening condition caused by extreme muscle breakdown, flooding the body with harmful toxins.
“While preparing for an upcoming fight, Jake unknowingly pushed through worsening symptoms. He continued training, working, and coaching, unaware that his body was shutting down.
“Astonishingly, even as his organs were failing, Jake stepped into the ring one final time and fought courageously, demonstrating incredible determination and strength.
“Immediately afterward, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to emergency hospitalisation and multi-organ failure—the most severe case of rhabdo his doctors had ever encountered.
“Despite extraordinary medical efforts, including multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, Jake passed away after days of fighting with unmatched bravery.
“Although his body succumbed, his resilient spirit remains forever unbroken.”