The MMA community is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a talented fighter who had a bright future ahead of him.

Hakaraia Wilson, a highly regarded mixed martial arts competitor from New Zealand, tragically passed away late on December 31, as reported by Te Ao News. He was just 26 years old.

Authorities confirmed that they responded to a report of a “sudden death” in Gisbourne during the early hours of January 1. Wilson was in the city to participate in the renowned Rhythm and Vines music festival, which ran from December 29 to December 31, drawing crowds from all over.

The police stated that “the death is not suspicious,” and have referred the case to the coroner for further investigation, according to their announcement to Te Ao News. This assures the community that there are no immediate concerns regarding foul play.

As of now, the specific cause of Wilson’s death has not been disclosed. E! News has attempted to reach out to representatives for the fighter, but unfortunately, there has been no response yet.

Starting his professional fighting journey in 2020, the 26-year-old quickly gained recognition for his exceptional abilities in both MMA and jiu-jitsu. As per Tapology, he was ranked #723 in his weight class and #83 in the welterweight category. His last match took place in October, where he secured a victory against Philippines native Mark Alcoba in an exciting bout in Bali, showcasing his skills and determination.