untilgradschool

Yesterday on Monday, September 8, 2008 Evan Tanner’s body was found in a remote, desert-like part of Southern California. He apparently went camping in extreme temperatures and ran out of water and gasoline for his motorcycle prematurely. His body was found by a search party after he sent a text message to a friend alerting them of his situation. He had made it two miles away from his camp site.

No judgment awaits Evan as he truly was a free spirit and wanted this trip more than anything in his life. His desire to be amongst nature and to envelope himself in the silence and wisdom of the outdoors was a clear characteristic he displayed that separated himself from most flashy and materialistic peers of his in the MMA game.

Evan quit college and became a fighter. He worked various jobs and was without much material posessions as a result of his minimalistic attitude and lack of money. Yet, he always had an intense and positive love for life. He battle alcohol addiction for many years and by most accounts he had stayed sober for up to a year until his death.

Evan basically taught himself how to fight and train for mixed martial arts. His brutal style of mauling opponents against the cage or ropes was never without a boisterous smile after a victory or a humble and determine look in his eyes after a loss.

Evan was good to his fans. I was one of his biggest fans. I donated some small amount of money to one of his training projects for young men of low income backgrounds who wanted to train in MMA. Evan always wrote back in response to emails and fan mail. He was my hero.

I am so sad to write about Evan Tanner’s death. But I feel in his memory a lesson can be learned for so many young men and women in truly following your dreams and your soul’s passions.

Rest in Peace Evan. I will miss you so much.

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