‘He tried to fight’: MMA fighter’s toddler son tragically dies in hit-and-run crash

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with US MMA fighter Marcus Kowal and his family this week, following the tragic loss of his toddler son.

 

Little Liam Mikael Kowal was just 15 months when he was struck and killed in a car crash in Los Angeles, last Saturday evening.

 

Liam’s teenage aunt was out walking him in his buggy when 72-year-old Donna Marie Higgins drove through a footpath and struck them.

 

 

The support we have received from the Martial Arts world is unreal. From #BJJ to #KravMaga to MMA. Tears are running down my cheeks as I look at this picture of my little boy and read the message from @bashboxing and @cxf_mma #Repost @bashboxing with @repostapp ・・・ Our event #Sept10th will be dedicated entirely to the memory of Liam Kowal. If you have been to one of our fights chances are you know Marcus Kowal. To know the man, is to love the man. As the owner of @systemstrainingcenter and @systemstcencino Marcus is a huge part of our family. Fewer men posses a better attitude or general love of life than Mac. Today we received the worst news imaginable. His 15 month old son, Liam, was tragically killed when he was hit by a drunk driver yesterday afternoon. While in his stroller, Liam and his Aunt were in the crosswalk when an SUV barreled through them before fleeing the scene. Liam bravely, and valiantly fought for his life, but ended up succumbing to his injuries. At this time, all we can do is support Marcus, his wife Mishel and Liam's Aunt who was also injured in the accident. In order to do so, we will be donating a portion of every ticket sold to a fund in Liam's memory, that will be set aside for the family....We will also be holding a silent auction of some very high quality signed boxing and #MMA merchandise with the proceeds also being collected for the family. Please continue to pray for Marcus, Mishel and their family.....CXF4 Crossroads is now CXF "For Liam" #prayersforliamkowal #CXFForLiam #weareone @mrlightsout21 @bashboxing @lightsout_promotion @theclinchreport @custom_t_shirt_printing

A photo posted by Marcus Kowal (@mackowal) on Sep 5, 2016 at 7:36am PDT

 

Higgins attempted to flee the scene but was cornered by eye-witnesses.

 

Both the teenager and little Liam were rushed to hospital. After finding a pulse on Liam, medics performed CPR before placing him in intensive care.

 

Tragically, Liam passed away from his injuries shortly after. His aunt, however, is said to be in a stable condition.

 

 

Liam was the son of MMA fighter Marcus Kowal, and the devastated father took to his official Facebook page to confirm the horrific news to his followers.

 

“About an hour ago, our baby was declared brain dead. He tried to fight so hard. He even died at one point but they brought him back. He's a little fighter. His heart is still beating but his brain is no longer working. Our hearts are broken and there's a void in my soul, but we will get through this,” he wrote.

 

Marcus went on to confirm that the family will be donating Liam’s organs, and he appealed to anyone waiting on a heart transplant to come forward.

 

 

“Liam is going to donate his organs, so that his little heart can make another child live and another set of parents not have to go through what we have to…It hurts to write this, but Liam loved to share and the person we were going to raise him to be would love to help someone else,” he added.

 

A GoFundMe page (link here) has been set up for the family in the wake of the tragedy.

 

Higgins, meanwhile, has been arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, and driving under the influence.

 

SHARE to gather well wishes for the family at this devastating time.