The jiu-jitsu world is mourning the loss of young BJJ student Felix Villegas.
Felix, who lived in California, was a student of Nathan Mendelsohn at Coalition 95 BJJ. He was involved in a car accident on January 25 and had been in critical, but stable condition in a coma until he tragically passed away on February 17.
Mendelsohn told the Jiu-Jitsu Times, “We wish he was still here with us but must trust in God’s reasons for needing him up there with Him more than down here, even if we don’t understand why. When Felix started training Jiu-Jitsu he fell in love with the art immediately. He rapidly shed 50lbs, making a huge transformation that was inspiring to see. There are only so many students that walk through the door of a jiu-jitsu academy that are young enough, talented enough, hard-working enough, and love the sport enough to truly have a chance of becoming a high-level black belt adult competitor. Felix was undoubtedly one of those. I have no doubt in my mind that he would have grown to become a highly decorated competitor if we could have seen him live to fulfill his full potential.”
“One thing that makes me feel good is that I told him that after we traveled to Nationals together this past December. I told him that I was sure he had a highly successful career in the sport to look forward to if he just kept grinding on the path he was on. Felix trained literally EVERY DAY. You couldn’t go into the gym without seeing him on the mat smiling, brightening up everyone’s training session. He was a truly good soul who wanted to see those around him happy and successful. He was the type of student I could pair up with the largest, toughest black belt or the smallest, newest white belt and that person was sure to get something valuable out of rolling with him. I miss him so much already. Rest in Peace Felix, we all love you eternally.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for Felix’s family to help pay for his medical and funeral expenses. Any donation, no matter how small, is appreciated. Please consider donating or sharing the fundraiser to help his loved ones through this time.
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