Celebrity deaths

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona homicide trial BEGINS as late football icon’s medical team accused of fatal negligence over 2021 death

      by

      DIEGO Maradona’s medical team could face 25 years in prison as the football legends homicide trial starts today in Buenos Aires.The Argentinian star died after suffering a heart attack at his home in 2020 while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot.Diego Maradona’s homicide trial has started todayCredit: ReutersDoctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPEight members of the World Cup winner’s medical team have been accused of negligence that contributed to his death at 60 years old.Each defendant has denied wrongdoing but risks between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted of “homicide with possible intent”.His neurologist Leopoldo Luque, who performed the surgery, is one of the seven people facing trial.Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna, and nurses Mariano Perroni and Ricardo Almiron, will also appear in court.read more on maradonaThe day nurse Gisela Dahiana Madrid, who found Maradona dead just two weeks after his surgery, has asked to be tried by jury separately.More than 100 witnesses, including members of Maradona’s family and his doctors over the years, are expected to take the stand in the long-delayed trial in the Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro.Although the icon struggled with obesity, alcoholism and drug abuse, 20 medical experts stated in 2021 that his death could have been avoided with better treatment.Prosecutors have accused the medical team of pushing for Maradona to receive home care, which proved “reckless” and “totally deficient.”Most read in FootballThe night nurse said he had seen “warning signs” but had received orders “not to wake” Maradona.Prosecutors allege the footballer was abandoned to his fate for a “prolonged, agonizing period” before his death.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death The football legends’ family claimed that leaked audio and text messages show that the star’s health was in imminent danger, said Mario Baudry, a lawyer for Maradona’s son Dieguito.He said the messages showed the medical team’s strategy was to try and ensure that Diego’s daughters did not intervene “because if they did, they (the medical staff) would lose their money.”The expert 2021 report that ignited this trial questioned why the football legend was released from hospital so soon after his surgery, saying: “The home confinement did not comply with norms and protocols.”The rented home Maradona stayed in notably did not have a defibrillator.This huge trial is expected to last until July.Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, said he was “very optimistic” of an acquittal, arguing his client was in charge of Maradona’s mental, not physical health.The World Cup winner’s death plunged Argentina into mourning during the pandemic.Maradona shaking hands with his doctor Leopoldo Luque in Olivos in 2020Credit: AFPFans outside the courthouse on TuesdayCredit: GettyTens of thousands of people queued to bid farewell to the former Boca Juniors and Napoli striker as his body lay in state in the presidential palace.Mardona’s former partner Veronica Ojeda arrives at the courthouseCredit: GettyLocals have remained heartbroken over the World Cup winner’s tragic death.READ MORE SUN STORIESpensioner Hilda Pereira told AFP: “All society needs to know… what really happened, who abandoned him… and whoever is responsible must pay the price.”Maradona “did not deserve to die as he died, alone,” she added, her voice quavering.The star’s daughter Jana Maradona, arrives at courtCredit: ReutersEight people have been accused of ‘homicide with possible intent’Credit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Dick McTaggart dead aged 89: Tributes pour in after Britain’s best-ever amateur boxer and Olympic gold medallist dies

      by

      BRITAIN’s greatest amateur boxer Dick McTaggart has sadly died away aged 89. The Scottish slugger’s passing was announced by his family in an emotional social media statement. Dick McTaggart has sadly passed away aged 89Credit: RexMcTaggart is the only Scottish boxer to have ever won a gold medal at the OlympicsCredit: PAMcTaggart had a whopping 610 of his 634 amateur fightsCredit: GETTYIt read: “In loving memory of Dick McTaggart, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. “A true gentleman and legend in the boxing world. “His kindness, determination, humour and spirit will never be forgotten. “He will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts. Rest peacefully.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSTributes poured in for the late McTaggart – who turned his efforts to training the next generation of fighters following his retirement – from around the boxing world after the announcement of his death.A Commonwealth Games Scotland statement read: “Everyone at Commonwealth Games Scotland was saddened to learn of the passing of boxing legend Dick McTaggart MBE.”Widely regarded as Dundee’s greatest ever sportsman, McTaggart won Commonwealth Games gold and silver medals as part of a remarkable amateur career, winning 610 of 634 bouts.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”Most read in BoxingDick Mctaggart won gold at the 1956 Olympics in AustraliaCredit: GETTYFormer WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur said: “Never mind Scotland… Dick Mctaggart is Great Britain’s greatest ever amateur boxer. “Remember a chat with Dick and him saying was nice winning the Olympic gold but imagine doing it in a Scottish vest! Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”Scotland might not see an Olympic boxer for years.”Boxing commentator Andy Clarke said of McTaggart at the BBBOC Awards in London: “He was a phenomenon.”One boxing fan wrote on X: “Rest in Peace, Dick McTaggart, and thank you.”Dick ran our Boxing Club at Crookston Castle School, until the bigwigs decided you needed to be a professional to teach.”Another said: “Rest in peace, champ.”McTaggart retired from boxing at 30 but closed the book on his career with accolades galore.The Dundonian’s finest achievement came at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, where he became the first Scottish boxer to win a gold medal.McTaggart made Scot’s Olympic history at the tender age of 21.Tributes poured in for the late Dick McTaggart from around the boxing worldCredit: PAMcTaggart was held in incredible esteem by his peersCredit: RexRecalling his triumph in a 2021 interview with The Courier, he said: “I had collected my gold medal and wanted to go away and celebrate with Terry Spinks, who had also won gold.”But I was told by the officials, ‘Do not leave the hall, there might be a wee surprise for you.’“Then, later on, they announced that I had won the Val Barker Trophy (which is awarded to the most outstanding boxer at the Games).”And that meant more to the British delegation that any of the other medals and prizes.”Because no British competitor had ever won it before. “And I reckon that I must have filled the trophy up with champagne about 150 times that night as everybody celebrated.”He’d competed at the Rome Olympics four years later but left the Eternal City with a bronze.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcTaggart would also win multiple Armed Forces titles during his time in the RAF.He’d also win gold at the 1960 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and an amateur European title. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Footballer, 19, dies after drowning in his own stomach acid and ringing mum to say ‘I can’t do this anymore’

      by

      A 19-year-old footballer has died suddenly after suffering from a mystery illness for months.Luca Manolache tragically called his mum in his final moments, and expressed concern that he may be dying to a nurse.Luca Manolache has tragically passed away aged 19Credit: Jam PressThe teenager’s cause of death was put down to drowning on his own stomach acid and a severe lung infection, according to the autopsy verdict.Reports suggest he also suffered a ruptuered aorta, triggering an internal haemorrhage.His mum, Ana Maria Manolache, and his dad Viorel, have been left utterly devastated over their son’s tragic passing.The former FCSB – previously known as Steaua Bucharest – and Dinamo player was extremely dedicated to his football, and never liked to miss a single game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn 28 February, he began feeling severely unwell whilst out with a family member, Ana’s godson, who called an ambulance.Ana told local press that her son called her whilst she was in Bucharest, Romania, where she works.As his condition worsened, in the brief phone call, Luca was fearful and said: “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore”.While Ana told press that he has asked a nurse on the scene: “Do you think I’m going to die?”.Most read in FootballManolache used to play for FCSBCredit: IMAGO/sport pictures-Razvan PasaricaWhilst in the ambulance, Luca began to complain that his vision disappeared, and that he couldn’t see anything.Ana rushed to be with her son who was transported to the County Hospital in Târgoviște, Romania.She unfortunately did not make it there in time, and Luca’s sister called her to tell her that he had passed away.Doctors worked hard to save his life however his body began to negatively react with his stomach acid, causing him to drown.Doctors told Ana that the circumstances of her son’s death were extremely rare.Luca was a midfielder for Metaloglobus București, but hadn’t played a single match since August 2024.He was forced to stop playing due to a series of incidents which saw him suffer from prolonged fatigue, dizziness and chills.The team and his parents began noticing that he was struggling to get through even just half of a football match.His football coach began to believe that he wasn’t preparing properly for his football games.One match even resulted in an ambulance being called as Luca complained that his vision had become black, and that he felt weak.He would have convulsions and a high temperature, but x-rays of his lungs and blood tests all came back normal.A physical test showed that he could only run on a treadmill for 10 minutes, and after stopping he immediately started to shake and had a fever.Manolache had been suffering from illness for monthsCredit: Jam PressDoctors presumed that Luca must have a strong infection in the body, and so they administered him antibiotics, paracetamol and pain medication.Luca took these tablets for a short time, and further repeated tests on his lungs, heart and gallbladder came back clear.One medical episode saw him spend two weeks in hospital after being taken in as an emergency.A doctor found that he had some peripheral blood vessels in his lungs however this was not seen as a serious issue.He had injections and took some medication to prevent his blood from clotting, a treatment which he had for six months.During this time, he was prohibited from exercise and his parents even took him to private clinics so he could be examined.His death came suddenly, shocking his relatives but also his teammates who he played football with.Metaloglobus București shared an emotional post on their Instagram just days ago in tribute to Luca, as reported by NeedToKnow.“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” they wrote.“His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field.“The last appearance in the Metaloglobus shirt was on August 24, 2024, in the match against CS Afumati, playing 10 minutes from the reserve position.“Following the game against CS Afumati, the player complained of fatigue during training, which led the technical staff to stop him from training and recommend thorough medical examinations.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Rest in peace dear ‘Mano’.“Sincere condolences to the grieving family, the entire Metaloglobus family is with you in these devastating moments.”Tributes have poured in for the 19-year-oldCredit: Jam Press More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Jenny Alcorn dead aged 66: Tributes pour in as world champion athlete passes away following brain cancer battle

      by

      AUSTRALIAN triathlon star Jenny Alcorn has died aged 66 following a battle with cancer.Alcorn heartbreakingly passed away on Monday, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023.Jenny Alcorn has died aged 66Credit: FacebookAlcorn had a glittering career spanning over 30 years that saw her both work as a coach and compete as an athlete.Last year she was honoured for that incredible contribution to sport by receiving the President’s Special Recognition Award at the AusTriathlon Awards.She was also nominated for the prestigious Daphne Pirie Spirit of Sport Award last year too.Other achievements for the incredible athlete included carrying the Australian flag at the 2018 World Championships on the Gold Coast and winning the Kona Ironman at the age of 55 after coming out of retirement.READ MORE IN SPORTTributes have poured in for the hero, with so many sharing warm memories of Alcorn.Alcorn’s partner Margot Rupe said: “She pushed every boundary in life and it was incredible.”She was the love of my life for 20 years, she helped me raise two amazing children.”Yes, triathlon was her life but she always enjoyed all the sports our kids did, she never missed a TSS First 15 game, she never missed a Bond Uni rugby game.Most read in AthleticsAlcorn will be remembered as a triathlon legend in AustraliaCredit: Facebook”Even on Saturday afternoon, she sat up and watched our son play rugby in Japan, so she was a pretty amazing person.”We’re all heartbroken, our souls are heartbroken, she did everything with love, she loved her family, she loved me, she loved our kids and embraced everything she did.”AusTriathlon added: “Triathlon has lost a legend, but Jenny Alcorn’s impact has forever strengthened our sport.”Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know her.”Ricky Kroesen, who was coached by Alcorn, revealed that the superstar champion “passed peacefully with her partner and loyal dog Kona by her side”.Adding: “We will miss you”.Alcorn helped to coach and mentor some of Australia’s top triathletes, including Ashleigh Gentle and Olympic champion Emma Snowsill.And her own athletics career was punctuated by victories across various Age Group World Championships, and saw her recognised as a ‘Legend of the Sport’ by AusTriathlon. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Bruno Pizzul dead aged 86: Tributes pour in as legendary football commentator dubbed ‘voice of Italia 90’ passes away

      by

      TRIBUTES have poured in for legendary football commentator Bruno Pizzul after he passed away aged 86.Pizzul was one of the beautiful game’s top broadcasters during his heyday.Legendary football commentator Bruno Pizzul has passed away aged 86Credit: GettyHe was known by many fans as the ‘voice of Italia 90’Credit: AlamyStuart Pearce famously missed a penalty in England’s semi-final defeat to eventual winners West GermanyCredit: AlamyThe former player led the commentary for Italy’s national football team from 1986 to 2002.And many fans remember him as the “voice of Italia 90” after stealing the show during that year’s World Cup tournament.England supporters were left heartbroken when Stuart Pearce’s penalty miss against eventual winners West Germany saw the Three Lions crash out in the semis.But Pizzul’s flamboyant commentary still made it a summer to remember as his own native Italy beat England in the third-place play-offs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd tributes quickly poured in upon news of his passing.One read: “Goodbye Bruno Pizzul, the voice of Italia 90.”Another declared: “Many of our greatest memories are accompanied by his unforgettable voice.”One noted: “RIP you absolute legend of broadcasting.”Most read in FootballAnother boomed: “A true maestro of the mic, his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans.”One chimed in: “Pizzul wasn’t just a brilliant commentator, he literally was Italian football for me.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersAnother added: “A part of us Italians is gone.”Pizzul started his football journey as a player in the 1950s with minnows Pro Gorizia and played in the 1960s with Catania and Cremonense.He moved into broadcasting in 1969 and eventually became Italy’s national team commentator in 1986.His last game came in 2002, and 20 years later Pizzul was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      True story of Dicky Eklund – boxing champ-turned-crack addict who ended up in jail before inspiring Oscar-winning movie

      by

      DICKY EKLUND inspired an Oscar-winning performance by Christian Bale for his depiction of the boxing champion-turned drug addict.Bale took Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for his role in The Fighter alongside Mark Wahlberg – who played Eklund’s brother Micky Ward. Former boxer Dicky Eklund in HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’Credit: HBOChristian Bale with Dicky Eklund in 2010Credit: GettyChristian Bale played Eklund while Mark Wahlberg portrayed his brother Micky WardCredit: AlamyMicky Ward and Dicky Eklund in 2011Credit: GettyIt followed the story of how Eklund went from hometown hero who fought the great Sugar Ray Leonard for $7,500 (around £6,000) to a crack cocaine addict.His brother Micky meanwhile was attempting to break out of Lowell, Massachusetts, and into the big time in boxing.But 20 years before The Fighter’s release, Eklund featured in the grim true-life HBO documentary called “High on Crack Street”.It followed a group of drug users and drew back the curtain on the harsh reality of addiction. READ MORE IN BOXINGIn the episode, Eklund can be seen smoking from a crack pipe and reminiscing about his boxing past – and his 1978 loss to Sugar Ray.He is later arrested – for the 27th time – and his family put on a fundraiser to pay off the $5,000 bail. A group of locals, paying $10 apiece, watch back Eklund’s HBO fight against Leonard, which included a disputed knockdown against the legend. Eklund is eventually bailed and starts training brother Micky for a fight. Most read in BoxingAnd after Ward wins a bout, Eklund said: “I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.”Eklund then went missing the day after brother Mickey’s fight and was found in a local crack house.A-listers in surprisingly humble cars & why Daniel Radcliffe feels ‘more comfortable in a £2k hatchback than a Ferrari’His trainer Mickey O’Keefe – who actually played himself in The Fighter – said: “The addiction’s too much for him. It’s real sad. “Sad because he’s got a family and kids at home. A little baby that depends on him.”Maybe the best thing for him is going to jail, maybe it will save his life.”The doc finishes with Eklund being sentenced to ten years in jail for a series of crimes including armed robbery. In that time, Ward went on to win titles and shared an iconic trilogy with the late Arturo Gatti which earned him $3million in total.Eklund only served five years in prison and came out to again train Ward. But he found himself in trouble with the law over the years, again getting arrested in 2006 on drug charges. Ward retired in 2003 after his trilogy loss to Gatti, who he later coached and became close friends with.His son visits him in jailCredit: HBOThis was Eklund’s disputed knockdown against Sugar Ray LeonardCredit: HBOThe American opened up a gym and trained fighters alongside brother Eklund, who was clean of drugs. Their story was so inspiring Hollywood’s Wahlberg spent years trying to get it green lit. Eventually, director David O Russell produced the 2010 classic The Fighter with Wahlberg co-starring alongside Bale and Amy Adams.Bale dropped TWO STONE to portray drug-addicted Eklund at just 10st 3lb. The two spent time together in local Lowell bars and boxing gyms – with Bale still in touch with Eklund and his son Dicky Jr to this day. He told GQ in 2022: “Dicky, he’s such a character. “He makes his presence felt all the time. I spent so much time hanging out with Dicky beforehand. Wahlberg played Eklund’s brother Micky WardBale won an Oscar for his performance”Being in Lowell, hanging out with him, going walking around, getting kicked out of bars, having almost every cop stopping and going, ‘Hey, hey Dicky!’ and then telling me a story about when they arrested him. “Going to the boxing gym, jumping in the ring and sparring with him — and oh my God, it’s really quite something when you might think you can, ‘Ah, I’ll be a decent boxer,’ you spar with other amateurs and whatnot, I’d done that a few times. “But when you get in the ring with a pro? Bloody hell.”The success of The Fighter fuelled demand for a sequel and a year after its release plans for a follow up were in place. Wahlberg wanted to tell the story of Ward’s legendary trilogy with Gatti and their friendship after battle. But the sequel sadly never came to fruition despite Wahlberg never losing hope. He said in 2022: “I was never really in the sequel business. “But The Fighter really lent itself for another movie because of Micky and Arturo Gatti’s trilogy.I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.Dicky Eklund, speaking on HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’“I’m always kind of looking for the next thing. But if the audience really wants it, and they really love it, and we can make one better than the first then I’d be willing to do it again, for sure.”Gatti was mysteriously found dead in 2009 in a hotel in Pernambuco, Brazil where he was on holiday with his wife and ten-month-old son.His wife Amanda Rodrigues was initially charged with murder after Brazilian authorities ruled Gatti’s death a homicide. But after the coroner’s autopsy report was released, they declared it was a suicide by hanging, and charges against his widow were dropped.Ward often pays tribute to his opponent and close friend – posting a picture of them this past April. He captioned it: “Happy 52nd Arturo! Not a day goes by I don’t think of ya buddy.”Eklund has two sons, Dicky Jr and Tommy, and a daughter named Kerry. READ MORE SUN STORIESDicky Jr works at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles where Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach took him under his wing. And Sean was an 11-4 fighter who owns a gym himself Massachusetts, meaning after all these years, boxing is still in the family. Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s trilogy was the rumoured plot for The Fighter 2Credit: GettyEklund and Ward pose togetherCredit: Instagram More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Dennis Bond dead at 77: Former Tottenham and Watford star dies as tributes pour in

      by

      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Dennis Bond has passed away at the age of 77.Spurs led the tributes with a statement on social media that read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder Dennis Bond at the age of 77.Former Tottenham star Dennis Bond has passed awayCredit: Getty”The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Dennis’ friends and family at this impossibly sad time.”A boyhood Tottenham fan, Bond grew up in Walthamstow and kicked off his professional playing career with Watford.He made his debut for the Hornets aged just 17 and went on to earn over 100 senior appearances before joining Spurs in 1967.Over his three-year spell at White Hart Lane, Bond made 27 first team appearances, scoring once.He then moved on to Charlton before ending his playing career in non-league.The ex-midfielder officially hung up his boots at the age of 55 after featuring for Boreham Wood, Waltham Abbey and Potters Bar Town.Fans took to social media to express their condolences, with one person writing: “Walthamstow lad. My thoughts with his family and friends.”Another said: “RIP Dennis.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Very sad to hear this news.”While a fourth commented: “May he rest in peace.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Harrowing story of undefeated boxer who ‘lost his mind’ after drugs binge before ‘murdering wife’ and committing suicide

      by

      IT appeared Edwin Valero had the world at his feet as an undefeated champion with a beautiful wife and two children. But outside the ring he was battling a fight against drug addiction which would ultimately cost him his life.Edwin Valero had 27 wins all by KOCredit: AFPEdwin Valero pictured with wife JenniferBut he led a dark life in privateCredit: ReutersValero committed suicide in 2010Credit: AFPWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “He had unbelievably heavy hands. “Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. “Valero grew up in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at 12 in a bid to combat the anger that raged inside of him. He had an 86-6 amateur record with 57 knockouts, winning national titles three years in a row before turning professional in 2002. READ MORE IN BOXINGValero broke the record by winning his first 18 fights all by KO in a display of power never-before-seen. He was also becoming somewhat of a myth behind-the-scenes in boxing gyms, regularly KOing sparring partners in chilling fashion. By 20 bouts, Valero was WBA super-featherweight champion and later won the WBC belt in 2009. WBC boss Sulaiman – his father Jose in charge at the time – befriended Valero on the boxer’s rise to stardom. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSulaiman told SunSport: “He was very nice, very quiet. He had a great charisma, macho type, but he was a family man.” Valero shared son Edwin Antonio and Jennifer Roselyne with wife Jennifer.Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Heading into the late 2000s and Valero was making huge waves in the sport, linked with massive fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao.But he also led a secret life of drink and drugs, which caused a strain on his relationship. In 2010, Valero was accused of assault after his wife was hospitalised with bruises and a damaged lung. The feared fighter denied wrongdoing – while wife Jennifer told cops she hurt herself falling down stairs. Valero’s troubles outside the ring also included being denied a 2009 fight on Pacquaio’s undercard after his visa was rejected due to a DUI in Texas. The boxer continued to KO opponents around the world, from America, Asia and Mexico. But he would celebrate with drug binges back home in Venezuela – something that would have fatal consequences. Valero was one of boxing’s hardest hittersCredit: AFPHe knocked out every one of his opponentsCredit: GettyHe was world champion in two weightsCredit: AFPSulaiman said: “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young and talented and powerful. “Very unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In just a short period of time, he lost his mind.” Valero’s final fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 in Mexico – he won via ninth-round KO and retained his WBC lightweight title.But just two months later and he was dead alongside his wife.Sulaiman said: “After his fight in Mexico – he fought in Monterrey, Mexico – he flew back to Venezuela and some people introduced him to cocaine and he had a horrible week.”We were contacted by his family and friends and my father was a couple of days away from getting a humanitarian visa so that he could travel to a rehab facility in the United States.”And there was also one in Cuba that was ready to receive him. And unfortunately, history turned that way and it didn’t happen.” Valero’s 24-year-old wife was found stabbed to death on April 18, 2010. Valero walks after being arrested in a police station in 2010Credit: ReutersHe would commit suicide one day laterCredit: ReutersValero was arrested after Jennifer’s body was discovered in a hotel in the city of Valencia, Carabobo.The 27-0 champion – who won every fight by KO – was considered the prime suspect – but he never faced his day in court. Valero was discovered hanging in his jail cell just a day after his arrest – committing suicide only 24 hours after allegedly killing his wife. Reports in Venezuela claimed Valero admitted to hotel security and police that he had murdered his wife.Jennifer’s family accused Valero of being a violent, drug-addicted bully who stopped eating or sleeping before taking it out on his wife.Sulaiman and his dad saw Valero and his family dining out after his last fight – unaware of the horrors that would follow. He said: “I never could have believed what happened.Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman”I was completely shocked. Heartbroken in disbelief because he was a real good friend.” “He was a very dear, fighter, dear friend. And it’s just a tragedy.” Both Valero and his wife had public burials in Venezuela.Their kids were taken in by Jennifer Carolina’s sister and their daughter later took up amateur boxing in her father’s honour. A 2016 film titled El Inca – Valero’s boxing nickname – was selected as Venezuelia’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.Valero’s brother-in-law – Jennifer’s brother Yoel Finol – also became a boxer and represented Venezuelan at the 2016 Olympics. In the run up to the Rio Games, Finol revealed he had forgiven Valero for his alleged horrors and only began boxing as a kid due to his influence. Finol is now a 3-0 pro bantamweight but he has not fought since 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESValero remains the WBC’s only champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio with his career in the ring still celebrated to this day. But the questions he left unanswered also still remain.Yoel Finol, left, is Valero’s brother-in-law and an Olympic boxerCredit: Reuters More