An initial autopsy performed on Tyrone "Teestea" Mims, an amateur fighter who died on Saturday night after competing at a regional fight show in South Carolina, has proven inconclusive, according to the Charleston County Coroner.� Toxicology tests are pending.
Mims was stepping into the cage for the first time, and was competing at an event called "Fight Night at the Point VI."� He allegedly suffered minimal damage during his bout, and witness accounts had him dominating throughout the first round.��But Mims began appearing exhausted in the second round, and�when the 30-year-old seemed unable to improve his position, the referee stopped the bout.� Mims was taken backstage; when his condition deteriorated, he was taken to Medical University Hospital, where he died.
Mims, a Georgia resident, was taking part in a reality show titled "Georgia Boy's Grits-n-Glory."� The show released the following statement:
One of the fighters, who happened to be our own Tyrone "Teestea" Mims, was fatally injured tonight, possibly as a result of his fight.� The promoters and the South Carolina Fight Commission consulted with the fighters and all involved and decided as a result of the death of one of their own we should call off the rest of the fights.� The promoters and the Athletic Commission did everything in their power according to protocol and this accident was beyond their control.� We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you'll understand as we deal with the gravity of the situation.� Our thoughts and prayers are with Teestea and his immediate family, which include his five children.
This is the second mixed martial arts-related death in South Carolina history.� In 2010, amateur fighter Michael Kirkham died from a brain hemorrhage after suffering a knockout at an event in Aiken, S.C.
As per state regulation, amateur fighters must pass an eye exam, be screened for HIV and Hepatitis, and pass a cursory examination by a physician prior to getting in the cage.� It is unknown if Mims had completed those requirements.
Andre Gusmao Alexander Gustafsson Jaime Gutierrez Dave Gomez
