Former Bellator MMA combatant Ivan Cole died yesterday (Sat., June 11, 2016) after suffering a gunshot wound to the head in Dallas, Texas.
While details are still sketchy, CBS DFW is reporting that Cole, known as “JP,” died of a self-inflicted gunshot after playing Russian roulette; a game in which participants load a bullet into a gun, spin the cylinder and pull the trigger on ones own head.
BREAKING NEWS: Mixed Martial Arts fighter Ivan “J.P.” Cole killed himself while reportedly playing roulette with gun in Dallas apartment. CBS 11 has reached out to the Dallas Police Dept. for further details, and has a crew heading to the scene.
His mother told the New York Daily News that the exact way it all went down is still unknown:
“Some say it was about money, someone said something about Russian Roulette, but I don’t have any facts now. I’m a bit devastated at this time.”
The investigation is still ongoing.
Ivan last competed at Bellator 135, losing to George Pacurariu in the very first round via submission. Cole was just 25-years old and had just celebrated his two year-anniversary with his wife, Kymberli Cole, the day before his passing.
He also leaves behind a four-year old daughter.