HOUSTON, TX, January 3, 2011 – In an ominous start for the New Year within for the Houston MMA community, news began circulating last night that 16 year old Shawn Blanding of Kingwood MMA has passed away in an apparent suicide.
His close friend and training partner John Malbrough relayed the news on his Facebook page while many within the community followed suite. Despite his young age, Shawn was considered by many to be a future star here on our local MMA scene and perhaps beyond, with one prominent MMA trainer calling him perhaps “the best prospect he’d ever seen.”
Shawn displayed that type of talent on several occasions, including smoker events put on by Houston’s IV Ounce Fight Club. He had the raw talent, athletic ability, and work ethic to really go far in this sport one day.
His MMA potential was perhaps only trumped by his potential as a person always willing to help others.
According to friends and those that knew him best, Shawn Blanding was a caring and sympathetic person that “left a good part of himself with everyone he met.” He was never shy to offer advice to others or simply be a shoulder for others to lean on.
It’s a tragedy that a shooting star can appear so suddenly and burn out quickly.
We at TXMMA.com along with the rest of the Houston MMA Community extend our deepest sympathies to Shawn’s friends and loved ones during this trying time.
“I don’t cry much, but this seems to have really affected me,” said one local fighter who shared a community with Blanding. “Not only is his potential as a fighter is gone; but also his potential to be a great human being. As a whole we need to stop blowing off the warning signs of depression as someone wanting attention. People think because you are a “fighter” you are strong. Everyone has a breaking point.”
For more on how to identify the warning signs of depression and treat this medical condition, please visit the DBSA of Greater Houston or look up an organization near you.
Also refer to Crisis Intervention of Houston or a similar org if you or someone you know is dealing with a crisis. Things CAN get better. Please reach out and talk to someone who is willing to help.
To contribute to the Shawn Blanding Memorial Fund and assist his family in their time of need, please refer to this post and donation link set up by Barry at TheCageDoor.net.
