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Popular MMA and fitness coach, Leroy Saunders has passed away while competing at the BYD HYROX event in Bangkok, Thailand.<\/p>\n
Saunders, a 41-year-old South African coach and MMA trainer, who had worked with athletes like ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion, Tawanchai PK.Saenchai,\u00a0was competing at the BYD HYROX event held in Bangkok between August 13 and 16 but lost consciousness on the first day of the competition held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.<\/p>\n
The New York Post reports <\/a>that Saunders\u2019 condition rapidly deteriorated, and the strength and conditioning coach was given immediate CPR before being transferred to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead. The tragic news was then confirmed by Leroy Sunders\u2019 family on Aug.18, 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cLast Thursday we unfortunately lost Leroy due to reasons we are still trying to understand,\u201d read the family statement.<\/a>\u00a0\u201cWhat we can share without doubt is that until the last second of this moment, Leroy lived his life without regret or hesitation and impacted hundreds if not thousands to do the same throughout his journey.\u201d<\/p>\n Before his untimely death, Leroy Saunders had been the owner of IAOT CrossFit in Bangkok and was the strength and conditioning coach behind \u201cFight by Design,\u201d helping MMA, Muay Thai athletes, and boxers of all levels. He had almost 45,000 Instagram followers who watched his fitness, workout, and injury prevention tips.<\/p>\n In tribute to Leroy\u2019s lasting legacy, the Thai CrossFit community got together on August 23 to complete the \u201cLeroy\u201d partner workout in celebration of his contributions to the field. \u201cWe gave every rep, every movement, and every bit of energy with you in our hearts,\u201d read an Instagram post following the uplifting\u00a0 event. \u201cWe hope you were watching and feeling proud of us.\u201d<\/p>\n A whydonate page established to raise money for Leroy Saunders\u2019 memorial fund has also raised more than 300,000 Thai bahts \/ $9,000 US. To support the fund, click here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nCoach Leroy Saunders Dies During HYROX Wvent in Bangkok<\/h2>\n
How Is the Fitness Community Honoring Leroy Saunders\u2019 Legacy?<\/h2>\n