(Grice battles with Dennis Bermudez in their all out war at UFC 157. Photo via Getty.)
Horrific news out of Oklahoma today, as News9 is passing along word that seven-fight UFC veteran and OKC police officer Matt Grice was involved in a serious car accident yesterday that has left the fighter in critical condition:
Officer Matt Grice was off duty and sitting at a red light when another car slammed into the back of his vehicle near Shawnee. He was rushed to OU Medical Center, where he underwent brain surgery Sunday night.
Currently slated to face TUF 15 veteran Jeremy Larsen at UFC 166 in October, Grice has not fought since dropping a split decision to Dennis Bermudez in one of the best fights of the year (and a FOTN-earning effort) at UFC 157 back in February.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Matt. Here’s hoping you have a full, speedy recovery. We will update you on Grice’s condition (as well as Larsen’s replacement opponent) as information is made available.
[UPDATE BELOW]
The Oklahoman passes along more information relating to the crash:
Grice, who was off duty, was stopped at a red light at U.S. 177 at 45th Street in Shawnee when he was hit from behind, according to the patrol report. Michael Monroe, 53, of Oklahoma City, said he was distracted by a passenger when he hit the Jeep.
Grice’s Jeep hit another Jeep stopped at the red light. That driver, Christopher Seward, 23, of Sparks, was not injured. His passenger, Keely Seward, 21, of Sparks, was treated for a neck injury at a Shawnee hospital and released, the patrol reports.
Monroe was not injured. A passenger in his van, Mason Seale, 8, of Bethany, was taken to OU Medical Center and admitted in good condition with a head injury, the patrol reports. Another passenger, Keandre Bruener, 11, of Oklahoma City, was not injured.
Everyone involved in the crash wore a seat belt except Grice.
It should be noted that Grice’s friend, Daniel Rubenstein, has disputed the claim that Grice was not wearing a seatbelt via his Twitter, stating “Per Matt’s wife: Matt was wearing seatbelt when the accident happened, contrary to what news reported. Nurse responding to scene removed it.”
A donation fund has since been set up for Grice and his family. To contribute, visit their HopeMob website.