Coroner report concludes UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar died of accidental fentanyl overdose
UFC pioneer, Stephan Bonnar tragically died of an accidental drug overdose.
Just before Christmas of last year, the MMA world was shocked to hear that Bonnar had sadly passed away, aged-45, on December 22nd. The Clark County corners office has now ruled the Hall of famer’s death an accidental overdose from ‘Fentanyl, Parafluorofentanyl and Mitragynine intoxication’.
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid which can be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. While it has been used for severe pain management in medicine, but is now being used as an illicit street drug. While fentanyl can be sold on its own, usually in a powder or pill form, but because it is so cheap, drug dealers will use it to bulk up other drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in order to increase profit.
Fentanyl now makes up 67.8% of all drug overdoses in U.S., which is the leading case of accidental death for people under 50 in America. The drug has killed over one million people since 1999.
Parafluorofentanyl is an analogue of fentanyl and Mitragynine is the active ingredient in the drug Kratom, a herbal substance which can replicate opioid-like effects.
Remembering Stephan Bonnar
While the end of Bonnar’s life was filled with difficulties, he will forever be remembered by the MMA community for his fighting spirit – with fans and fighters alike sharing heartfelt thoughts and memories of the American.
Bonnar first captured the attention of the fighting world when he and Forrest Griffin competed in an epic battle in The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 final – often credited for saving the UFC. After, Bonnar competed in the UFC for the next seven years, taking on the likes of Anderson silva, Jon Jones, Mark Coleman and Krzysztof Soszynski.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the octagon,” UFC President Dana White said following Bonnars death. “His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, related to him, and he always gave them his best. He will be missed.”
What is your favourite Stephan Bonnar moment?
