WEDNESDAY, JULY 28th, 2010

Adrienne Simmons

She Lost Her Life Doing What She Loved...

No words can express the feelings we all have after the loss of Adrienne Simmons after her bout at the 2010 IKF World Classic in Orlando, Florida, USA. Adrienne (34) was from Atlanta, Georgia and was no stranger to the IKF World Classic, having competed in the 2008 IKF World Classic held at the very same venue which hosted her last fight in the ring, the Orlando World Center Marriott.

In the 3rd round of her Championship bout against Lindsay Scheer of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, Adrienne was hit with a punch that sent her to the canvas. Immediately to her aid was chief event doctor, Dr. Allan Fields. Adrienne sat up and spoke to Dr. Fields and others while in the ring. Adrienne was taken to the locker room by one of her trainers where Dr. Fields continued to oversee her condition. On the way back to the locker room Dr. Fields gave the command for a 911 call for a medical response, sensing her condition may be worse than what it appeared and stressing for the need for a helicopter lift to the Orlando Trauma Center. He also called in to have a trauma team present, awaiting her arrival.

The ambulance crew took her to the driving range of the golf course at the Marriott where she was immediately airlifted to the hospital. Later that night she underwent surgery for brain bleeding and swelling. Unfortunately, the following morning, Adrienne passed away. A sheriff's office spokeswoman said the death is considered an accident.

The shock of her passing is and will be felt by many for a long time. Questions have been asked to try and find a reason, an excuse or someone to blame for such a tragic accident. The reality is, that this was a terrible, unexpected accident and the most shocking to us all is that such a tragic accident could happen to any fighter, any time just like it could happen in any other sport.

Adrienne's loss though will not be in vain. Already there are plans in the works to remember her, and many more will follow. As we are informed of any fund-raising efforts, we will post them here. As of this posting, we have not been given any funeral arrangements, but when they are available, we will post them.

Lindsay Scheer's trainer Eric Haycraft gives a more detailed account of what he witnessed.

The bout itself seemed normal enough on all fronts. Lindsay, the more experienced of the two, took control of the bout scoring an eight count on the very first jab thrown. Several seconds later a standing eight count was given and the round drew to a close.
Round two continued with more of the same, however Adrienne never stopped trying and never gave up. No eight counts this round.
The third round opened up and Lindsay landed a three punch combo that ended the bout. The ref waived the bout off immediately and the doctors who were already sitting ringside watching the bout were in the ring right away. It really just seemed like a normal bout. It was a heavy shot but everyone involved from the ref to the doctors and officials and myself had no reason to believe there was anything abnormal except a fighter getting their bell rung like we all have had at some point in our careers. Adrienne came to, we were right there as she sat up and spoke. Confirming our thoughts that this was to be no different than any other bout ending blow. Adrienne was taken to the back and attended to by the medical staff and we took care of the stuff we had to after the bout such as photos and such. We shortly after were told along with everyone that Adrienne had been airlifted out.

The events that unfold from here are very sad and in my twenty years of kickboxing I am ill prepared to explain or even handle well. We have had opportunities to speak with the ref, the doctors all the ringside officials and the burden and second guessing after the case is huge. Our sadness and inability to properly process all these events leaves us with no words.

My only hope is that Chike has the same support network in his community that we have here in ours and that he will have it in his heart to let us be a part of his extended support network. This is a life changing event for all involved but obviously most of all for Chike and Adrienne.

We love this sport with all our hearts. It is a game with risks and while we all know this, these risks seem so far removed. Let me make this clear…no one could have seen this coming. The ref, the doctors, us, her corner. No one. It is a horrible accident that happened at a sporting event.

We do not have all the latest news from Florida and until it is officially announced by Adrienne's people please please be respectful of the things that are posted. It is a very sad day. We love you Adrienne.

With Heavy Hearts,
Eric and Lindsay

Lindsay Scheer, her opponent has added,
"I have waited to make my statement about the terrible tragedy that has occurred this past weekend at IKFs because I wanted there to be time for all involved, especially those closest to Adrienne to have a chance to tell their friends and have their time to process this horrific event, but I feel there are some things that I need to say.
What I was hoping would be a wonderful day turned out to be the absolute worst day of my entire life. I had anticipated a great weekend of being around and getting to participate in what I love – Muay thai. I could never have imagined that the weekend would end with me being called into a room by a sheriff to inform me that I am being interviewed for a homicide investigation. I have literally been inconsolable since that moment. I did not know what it really felt like to cry. I was and am broken.
I returned home to be greeted by my amazing parents who drove to my house in Louisville to be with me and tell me in person that they love me and that they are behind me. They also drove down to tell me that my grandmother had died this morning as well. I do not add these details to evoke pity or draw attention to me. In fact, I am done talking about my hurt and my pain because it is only self-serving and would evoke pity and condolences from people that I just don't want or feel like I deserve. Any energy or thought in this matter must go to Adrienne and Chike.
I mention these details because they have helped to bring me to what I am about to say:
A piece of me died in the ring yesterday with Adrienne. I will never get it back…not even in time – it will not heal this, period. However, my initial visceral reaction when I was told by the police officers was a hysterical fit that I will never fight again.
To be honest, I am terrified to step into the ring and I don't know how I will be able to…but again, this is not about me. My grandmother was one of the strongest people I have had the privilege of knowing and Adrienne was one of the bravest. I know that my grandmother would tell me I am being weak and wasteful and I truly believe that Adrienne would want me to continue to fight because if this situation was reversed, I would have wanted her to do the same.
We both love this sport, it is more than what we do, it is a part of who we are and if I spend the rest of my life avoiding Muay Thai, then we both die. I say this because long before the IKF tournament, I had accepted a rematch bout with a very tough Dutch girl I had fought last year. This was the toughest fight I have ever had. It is scheduled for Aug 29th in Suriname. I think I have to go through with it. I have to find some way to make myself train and prepare for this match because I feel it needs to be done to commemorate Adrienne. She deserves nothing less. In fact, she deserves more than a bout in her memory, she deserves change. I cannot let her death be in vain.
The Kickboxing community needs to make something positive from this tragedy and I'll do whatever I can to facilitate it. I do not expect everyone to agree with me or even to understand where I am coming from. All that I ask is that you do not judge me. I of course will not proceed with the fight unless I have the support of Chike and those closest to Adrienne because I wish to do nothing that those who knew her best would deem disrespectful. So please…no responses to this post unless it is a way we can begin to make things better."

At present, the IKF is in the works to create a memorial or scholarship fund in Adrienne's honor.

"What has happened is tragic and has left so many of us in shock."
Said IKF President Steve Fossum.
"There are no words to communicate how deep Adrienne's loss is to so many of us whether we knew her personally or not. This is unchartered territory for us all and we will all need each other in hope to heal the tears and sorrow. It is my personal goal and our goal as the IKF to assure what has happened will not be forgotten. It is all of our responsibility as martial artists to assure her name lives on among us all in this sport and to do so, we will do whatever necessary to create something that will live forever. At present we are working on something called 'Adrienne's Prayer' which we will share with all of you soon. In the mean time, our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Adrienne, who are coping with this terrible, unexpected tragedy.

Rest in Peace Adrienne...

You are one of God's Champions now...

Adrienne's Fight Bracket at the 2010 IKF World Classic

• CLEARING UP SOME RUMORS
  
  
  • It did not take an hour to get Adrienne medical treatment.
    • Dr. Allan Fields' was at her side the moment she went down and stayed with her until she was transported out by the ambulance crew to the awaiting helicopter in route to the Orlando Hospital Trauma center. Once 911 was alerted, the Ambulance was on scene within 3-5 minutes.
      
      
  • It did not take an hour to get her to the Hospital either.
    • The helicopter landed on the driving range of the Marriott Golf course where the ambulance crew transferred her from the ambulance to the helicopter where she was immediately rushed to a trauma center.
      
      
  • There was no ambulance at the event.
    • The State of Florida Athletic Commission's rule for all amateur kickboxing / muay thai events is that if there is a hospital within 5 miles of the event venue, no ambulance is required. This rule is followed by all amateur sanctioning bodies in the state of Florida which include ISKA, USMTA and other Florida approved amateur kickboxing and or muay thai sanctioning bodies. This was not just a decision made by the IKF.
      • In nearly all USA States, an ambulance is required to be parked at an event for Pro and Amateur MMA & Pro Kickboxing. However, nearly all State Athletic and Boxing commissions do not require an ambulance present for amateur Kickboxing and even USA Boxing does not require an ambulance present for amateur boxing events.
      • IKF wanted an ambulance for the 2 full days (8:30 AM to 6:+ PM) but was informed that since the event was so close to a hospital that there was no need to take an ambulance out of rotation service to be parked at the event. Instead, the general medical necessities were present at ringside such as oxygen and other medical gear.
        • Sometime after the incident, Lindsay Scheer's trainer Eric Haycraft made the following comment on a message board;
          "I was a fighter, coach and trainer in this area for 20 years, there is always an ambulance in every fight, professional or amateur."
          • Not to be labeled a finger pointer, but Haycraft and several of his fighters had just attended another large Muay Thai Tournament (TBA Muay Thai Classic held on July 9-11, 2010) in Iowa where over 250 fighters competed. What he may not have know was there was no ambulance on site at that event either and even less medical staff. Regardless, after researching the injury, it was sad to discover that it is highly doubtful any ambulance would have made any difference with this type of injury.
          • Within 2 months after the incident, with the work of the IKF, the Amateur Kickboxing event requirements for medical staff and an ambulance were finally made mandatory. However, several events after this incident and even after this new regulation was past, several amateur kickboxing events (not sanctioned by the IKF) were held without an ambulance present.
          • To add, to this day, the other sad thing is in the actual Florida State Boxing Commission (FSBC) Regulations, the requirement of an ambulance parked at an amateur event is still "Optional" and if on call is still allowed. Fortunately for amateur kickboxing in Florida, the updated Amateur Kickboxing Regulations updated in August of 2010 are recognized beyond the FSBC regulations.
          • The Florida IKF Tournaments from 2004-2005 and 2007-2010 still remain the only IKF Sanctioned events where no ambulance was present. NOT because the IKF did not want one at these tournaments, but because the ambulance companies would not schedule one to be parked at the tournament for two full days due to the Orlando Disney area being a resort region.
          • At all other past IKF sanctioned events, even all the other 6 IKF Tournaments, there was ALWAYS an Ambulance parked throughout these event.
          • Thanks to this new updated Florida Rules for Amateur Kickboxing, all can be assured there will always be an ambulance parked at all future IKF tournaments as well as events held in Florida from this moment forward, regardless of what the state rules require or any hardship an ambulance company may claim in taking one of their ambulances out of their rotation.
            • With this type of injury, would an Ambulance have made a difference?
              • First of all, this is in no way an attempt to discredit the need for an ambulance at a fight event. After months of researching the injury and other similuer injuries of the same cause, it was sad to discover that it is highly doubtful any ambulance would have made any difference with this type of injury. The only difference it would have made would have been to the press and the finger pointers who tried to find someone to blame for this terrible accident immediatly following the death of Adrienne Simmons. To read more about this type of injury, click here.
                
                
  • Experienced Medical Staff
    • The chief ringside physician was Dr. Allan Fields. Dr. Fields is also the chief ringside physician for the Florida Boxing commission as well as a trauma surgeon. There could not have been anyone more experienced at ringside than Dr. Fields.
      
      
  • Pre Fight Physicals
    • All participants were given pre fight physicals at the event and Adrienne's physical showed no concerning issues.
      
      
  • Type of Strikes she was hit with.
    • Some have been saying she was hit with knees and elbows to the head. This is not true. Although this was a Muay Thai rules bout, there were no knees or elbows allowed to the head.
      
      
  • Was the referee certified?
    • The referee of the bout was not only certified but a highly qualified "Muay Thai" referee. The root of his training was from the well known Fred Fitzgerald. He has been a referee with the IKF since 1999 and has worked with many other organizations over the years as well.
      
      
  • Hospital Delay?
    • There is an unconfirmed rumor floating around that there was a delay at the hospital as medical staff tried to reach Adrienne's family for consent to operate. As of Tuesday, the day after the operation, her family had still not been located and her boyfriend had been the one to push for her needed surgery, which was eventually granted.
      
      
  • Was her opponent, Lindsay Scheer a Pro Fighter?
    • Absolutely not. Despite her being listed on some less known organizations web rankings as a pro fighter (WPTBL) she has never fought as a pro.
      
      
  • Was matchmaking at fault?
    • No. As previously mentioned, Adrienne had already fought in this tournament back in 2008. Adrienne as well as her trainer, who was also her trainer back in 2008 knew this was an open tournament and that there would be a wide range of competition. This event was a lot like a USA Boxing event where we have all seen amateur boxers with the likes of 100 amateur boxing bouts end up against amateur boxers with under 10 bouts. Adrienne was a competitor who wanted to be the best and wanted to prove so against the best. Lets not ignore her spirit of competition for anything less.
      
      
  • Lack of Experience - Were her trainers at fault?
    • Again, as previously mentioned, Adrienne had already fought in this tournament back in 2008. She had also competed in the WKA North American Open tournament as well. She was ready and prepared to contend in this event or her experienced trainers would have never allowed her to enter it.
      
      
  • Too Many Fights in one weekend?
    • Despite the rumors of Adrienne fighting in her 3rd fight, this is untrue as the bracket on this page will show. The bout in question was her 2nd bout of the weekend. She won her first bout on Saturday which had advanced her to the Championship final on Sunday.
      
      
  • Has the IKF done this type of tournament before?
    • This was the 12th year of the IKF Amateur Kickboxing Tournament. To view all the past tournaments, click Here.
      
      
  • Has there ever been a ring death on any other IKF events in the past?
    • Never.
      
      
  • Was the hotel at fault in any way?
    • Absolutely not. Hotel staff was on the scene when the event happened. They immediately contacted 911 and secured access for the ambulance crew to get to Adrienne as quickly as possible and did the same in transporting her from the event room to the awaiting helicopter.
      
      
  • Are ring and cage deaths becoming more common?
    • For whatever reasons, several reporters have asked us this, and we wonder how can we answer the question... They have asked this in reference to the recent death of Michael Kirkham (For story click Here) Having been around much longer, the ring sport of Boxing has had it's share of ring deaths. Kickboxing has had it's losses as well but to answer the question, "Are ring deaths becoming more common?" Our question would be, as compared to what? Other sports? Any reply to this would be disrespectful to anyone lost as a result of a ring or cage fight. To us, "ONE" death is too many. Wouldn't you agree?
      
      
  • With this type of injury, would an Ambulance have made a difference?
    • First of all, this is in no way an attempt to discredit the need for an ambulance at a fight event. After months of researching the injury and other similuer injuries of the same cause, it was sad to discover that it is highly doubtful any ambulance would have made any difference with this type of injury. The only difference it would have made would have been to the press and the finger pointers who tried to find someone to blame for this terrible accident immediatly following the death of Adrienne Simmons. To read more about this type of injury, click here.
      • As previously noted above:
        • The Florida IKF Tournaments from 2004-2005 and 2007-2010 still remain the only IKF Sanctioned events where no ambulance was present. NOT because the IKF did not want one at these tournaments, but because the ambulance companies would not schedule one to be parked at the tournament for two full days due to the Orlando Disney area being a resort region.
        • At all other past IKF sanctioned events, even all the other 6 IKF Tournaments, there was ALWAYS an Ambulance parked throughout these event.
        • Thanks to this new updated Florida Rules for Amateur Kickboxing, all can be assured there will always be an ambulance parked at all future IKF tournaments as well as events held in Florida from this moment forward, regardless of what the state rules require or any hardship an ambulance company may claim in taking one of their ambulances out of their rotation.
          
          

• ADDITIONAL LINKS TO SEE
  
  
  • Second Impact Syndrome
    
    

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