Coroner says Stephan Bonnar died from accidental fentanyl overdose
When UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar died in late December 2022 it came as a shock to the entire mixed martial arts community.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 finalist’s cause of death was never publicly revealed until today when the Clark County (Nevada) coroner’s office provided answers to MMA Fighting after the news outlet filed a public records request.
Bonnar’s death was ruled an accidental from “Fentanyl, Parafluorofentanyl and Mitragynine intoxication” according to the report.
According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, “Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.”
The coroner’s office declined to provide additional details on Bonnar’s death to MMA Fighting, citing medical privacy laws.
“Typically, the office determines a cause and manner of death within 90 days, but a spokesperson said Bonnar’s case took additional time due to additional testing performed during an autopsy,” according to the story.
The UFC first confirmed Bonnar’s death and said that while the official cause of Bonnar’s death was pending, he was believed to have died due to “presumed heart complications.”
“The UFC family is saddened by the passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar,” their message said. “We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon,” stated UFC President Dana White in a release announcing Bonnar’s death. “His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, related to him and he always gave them his best. He will be missed.”
“The American Psycho” Bonnar is credited with helping to save the UFC from financial ruin. His Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Finale bout against eventual tournament winner, Forrest Griffin, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Bonnar, 45, died on December 22. Bonnar and Griffin were inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2013 for their fight. The two would face off in the octagon one-year after their pivotal bout, with Bonnar again losing a decision.
Bonnar’s pro MMA record was 15-9.
