Trevon Lawson, amateur MMA fighter, dead from apparent suicide
Trevon Lawson, a 26-year-old amateur mixed martial artist, was found was found dead in his car near a Schaumburg, Illinois hotel last week.
Lawson, from Aurora, Illinois, had not been seen since April 16 when his family announced on May 1 that he was missing. Lawson’s family said he had struggled with depression in the past. On Monday, his family released a statement saying that they were heartbroken to announce that Lawson had died by suicide.
“We are appreciative of the support from our extended communities,” the family’s statement said. “We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Aurora and Schaumburg police departments, who were responsive and supportive during our search for Trevon.
“We would also like to thank members of the Chicago-area media who immediately broadcast the news about our missing person and stayed the course with us.
“Finally, and of greatest note, thank you to our community (family and friends) who responded to our call for help by personally searching for our champ, ultimately leading to his location, and the start of this difficult but needed journey of healing and closure,” the family said in a statement.
Lawson, who fought under the nickname, “The Last Shinobi,” held a 5-4 amateur MMA record, most recently dropping a split decision to Kelton Sneve at Compass Fight Series 2 in February.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, no matter how serious it might seem, please immediately call a crisis line at “988”, or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
