Heartbroken mum’s plea over death of MMA fighter son

A devastated mother is making a heartfelt appeal in a bid to save others after her 21-year-old son died from a rare medical condition. See how to spot the early signs.

A heartbroken mother whose MMA fighter son died from a rare medical condition brought on by excessive exercising is calling for more awareness of the horrific illness in a bid to potentially save lives.

Jake Sendler, from Melbourne’s southeast, died on March 19 from rhabdomyolysis after a lengthy period in hospital following his shock collapse at his debut MMA fight.

His death has left his older brother and younger sister, as well as his extended family, devastated.

The kind-hearted 21-year-old, who trained in a prominent MMA gym, worked as a personal trainer and had dreams of being a PE teacher.

Determined to do his best, he pushed his body to the limits by exercising three to four hours a day, seven days a week, undertaking a rigorous training program in the build up to his debut MMA fight on March 3.

Melbourne MMA fighter Jake Sendler died from rhabdomyolysis. Picture: Supplied

The loss of the much-loved 21-year-old has devastated his family. Picture: Supplied

MMA fighters typically train for fights through a combination of strength training and conditioning, technical drills and sparring.

During the final round of his fight at the Melbourne Pavilion, Mr Sendler collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where he was placed in an induced coma.

The much-loved son and brother underwent extensive surgeries, which included the removal of a large part of his intestines, as doctors tried to save his life before he tragically died on March 19.

Jake Sendler was a motivated and passionate fitness fan. Picture: Supplied

His devastated mother, Sharone, who described her son as “full of light”, is calling for people to be aware of the early signs of the little-known condition, known as rhabdo, which floods the body with harmful toxins caused by extreme muscle breakdown.

Jake Sendler with his partner Angela. Picture: Supplied

“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,” she said.

Sharone said her son had been experiencing muscle pain in the run-up to the fight and had noted that his urine was a dark colour but said he put it down to dehydration.

Early signs of rhabdo can include muscle aching or swelling, fatigue and dark urine.

Just one day before he collapsed, he was filmed looking healthy and happy at a training event, Sharone said, but unknowingly his organs were already shutting down.

Jake Sendler speaking at a training event the day before he collapsed. Picture: Supplied

The young Melbourne man looked happy and healthy but was suffering organ shutdown. Picture: Supplied

“He was just training, working and so much sorry that he was he had started to develop early on signs of rhabdo.

“And now we know that the signs of rhabdo are tea-coloured urine and muscle pain.

“And Jake, because he works so hard, he put those things down to him training so much.”

Sharone said despite her son being in what would have been agonising pain, he pushed through to take part in his debut MMA fight.

“He went into that ring and gave everything like he was already suffering. So we know now his body had already given in and his kidneys were already at 40 per cent. And he fought the three rounds.”

Mr Sendler’s extended family has set up a GoFundMe to help his loved ones with funeral costs, already raising over $32,000.

“Jake’s passing tragically highlights the dangers and subtlety of rhabdomyolysis, especially for athletes, military personnel, and anyone who pushes their physical limits. Early detection and awareness can save lives,” the family said.

“We share Jake’s story to honour his legacy and raise critical awareness to prevent further tragedies.”