Shane Del Rosario Taken Off Life Support, Shows Signs of Brain Activity

Hospitalized UFC heavyweight Shane del Rosario showed signs of brain activity and was taken off life support this weekend, according to the fighter’s teammate and friend Erik Apple.

Del Rosario is now able to breathe independently and he squeezed his mother’s hand, Apple added. MMAWeekly.com confirmed the information after an initial report from Sherdog.com.

“He needs to keep fighting,” Apple said in a text message. “None of these are definitive. However, they give us some hope.”

Apple added that del Rosario has been placed on a respirator, a mask-like device used to prevent the inhalation of noxious substances. The fighter had been on a ventilator, which was used to assist with breathing.

Del Rosario was rushed to a Southern California hospital on Tuesday after having a catastrophic cardiac collapse in his home, the fighter’s representative, Jason House, told MMAWeekly.com. He was resuscitated in the emergency room and placed in the coronary care unit.

“Doctors believe he may suffer from a rare condition called Long QT Syndrome, which is a genetic anomaly that can cause a sudden and life-threatening heart rhythm abnormality, and may result in sudden death,” House said in a statement. “Tragically, it strikes healthy, young people, and often is the first and only presentation of a heart problem.”

MMAWeekly.com will have updates about del Rosario’s condition as more information becomes available.

Like MMAWeekly.com on Facebook and Follow @MMAWeeklycom on Twitter.