Gene Herrera, known in the professional martial arts world as “La Pulga,” died Saturday in a motorcycle accident in Florida, TMZ reported.
Herrera competed in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). according to To TMZ. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles officials said the accident occurred around 10:45 p.m. Herrera was traveling at a high rate of speed and collided with the rear of another vehicle. The impact caused him to crash into a concrete barrier and be thrown hundreds of feet from his bike, which then burst into flames.
Former UFC, BKFC fighter Gene Herrera dies at age 33 in motorcycle accident Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/hAvwDPasSD
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 20, 2024
Herrera was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, the newspaper reported. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in this accident. (Related article: Former Astros prospect Ronnie Garcia dies at age 24 in fatal traffic accident)
According to TMZ, Herrera began his professional martial arts career in 2011, making his debut with a unanimous decision victory over MMA fighter Andrew Connors at RFC 23. Fighting primarily at flyweight, Herrera boasted a commendable 10-3 record over the course of his career, including two knockouts and six submissions. His most recent win was at the 2021 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship match.
Following his death, a GoFundMe campaign was established to cover his funeral expenses and support his family. Herrera leaves behind a 16-year-old son, a girlfriend who is three months pregnant, his parents and siblings.
“Gene was full of life, always trying to live life to the fullest, and was a dedicated athlete with big dreams of making a difference and leaving his mark on this world. He is very happy and lucky. He was a great person and left a mark on everyone he touched in his life.” His GoFundMe page said.
