Francis Ngannou has offered his heartfelt condolences following the death of a 17-year-old girl he accidentally struck while riding his motorcycle during Easter weekend.
According to ESPN, the fatal accident occurred in Yaounde, the capital of Ngannou's home country of Cameroon. The teen girl was rushed into a local hospital but died from her injuries while undergoing surgery.
In a statement issued to TMZ on Friday (May 2), Ngannou revealed that his "heart was shattered" upon hearing news of the "devastating loss of life." The young woman was identified as Ntsama Brigitte Manuella.
"From the very beginning, I have been by the family's side, offering support, comfort, and deepest condolences during this time," Ngannou stated.
"I've met with them privately to share in their grief, and I will continue to stand with them every step of the way. I carry their pain with me, and my unwavering thoughts and support remain with them as they face this heartbreaking loss."
The tragedy comes one year after Ngannou lost his 15-month-old son, Kobe, with Ngannou later revealing on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience that the death was due to a "malformation on the brain."
One day, Ngannou went to the gym and tried to call the mother of his child during his workout but was unable to reach her.
"Thirty minutes after I was on the leg machine, my phone rang—it was my little brother," he said. "He said, 'Bro, things are not going well here.'"
Ngannou learned that Kobe had been taken to a nearby hospital because he wasn't breathing. His phone call with his brother kept dropping as he tried to get more information. Eventually, a nurse approached his brother and informed them that Kobe had passed away.
"Just like that, he's gone... What do you mean he's gone?" the fighter said. How come he's gone? This kid was 15 months. He was bigger than 15 months. He was growing. I thought I was dreaming, I thought they were going to say something, 'No that's not true.'"
