Former UFC fighter Geane “La Pulga” Herrera tragically passed away in a motorcycle crash on the Gandy Bridge in Florida over the weekend.
Fox 5 San Diego reported that Herrera, known for his time in both the UFC and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), had his death confirmed by the BKFC on Monday via Instagram.
The accident, which took the life of 33-year-old Geane Herrera, occurred when he reportedly was traveling at a high speed on his motorcycle.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Herrera crashed into the back of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and subsequently struck a concrete barrier. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Details of the tragic incident were further corroborated by various sources, including MMA Fighting and TMZ, who identified Herrera as the motorcyclist involved in the fatal crash on the Gandy Bridge.
Born in Duarte, California, Herrera rose to prominence as a professional mixed martial artist. Competing in the Flyweight division, he gained recognition fighting under the UFC banner as well as participating in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. His career highlight includes posing on the scale during the UFC weigh-in at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on November 26, 2016.
The news of Herrera’s untimely death has led to an outpouring of tributes from the combat sports community. UFC veteran Roy Borg expressed his condolences on Instagram, stating, “Had the pleasure of sharing the octagon with him in 2015. He was a good guy, my prayers are with him and his family during this tough time.”
Herrera's legacy as a fighter and the impact he had on those around him were highlighted in a statement from a GoFundMe page set up for his family. “Geane was full of life, always trying to live life to the fullest, he was a dedicated athlete with big dreams of making a difference and leaving his print in this world. He was such a happy go lucky person that left a mark in everyone that came into his life,” reads the heartfelt message.
The page further noted that in addition to his 16-year-old son, Herrera is survived by his girlfriend, who is three months pregnant, his parents, siblings, and a loving family.
In light of Herrera's passing, a celebration of life has been scheduled for Wednesday at the Boza & Roel Funeral Home in Tampa.
This event will offer friends, family, and colleagues the chance to honor his memory and reflect on the profound impact he had on their lives.
Herrera's death has come as a shock to many within the mixed martial arts community, and his loss will be deeply felt. He leaves behind a legacy not only as a fierce competitor in the ring but also as a person who made significant, positive impressions on those he encountered.
His dedication to his sport and his ambitions to leave a lasting mark on the world have been evident throughout his career.
Such attributes have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike, making his sudden departure all the more heartbreaking.
The memory of Geane Herrera and his contributions to the world of mixed martial arts will undoubtedly live on. His journey from Duarte, California, to the heights of the UFC and BKFC speaks volumes of his tenacity and passion for the sport.
As those close to him prepare for the celebration of life event, the wider combat sports community continues to mourn and reflect on Herrera’s life and career. The stories and memories shared by friends, family, and fans serve as a testament to the remarkable person he was, both inside and outside the ring.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Geane “La Pulga” Herrera has left a lasting impact on the combat sports world. The former UFC fighter's life was characterized by his dedication to mixed martial arts and his infectious, positive spirit. With tributes pouring in and a celebration of life on the horizon, Herrera's legacy will be remembered by many.
