City Kickboxing fighter Fau Vake dies after alleged assault; Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker pay tribute

City Kickboxing has lost a member of its family.

The New Zealand team confirmed via Instagram that amateur fighter Fau Vake has died following reports of Vake being the victim of an alleged assault on May 16.

According to the NZ Herald, Vake was critically injured in the alleged assault that took place in Auckland at 3 a.m. local time. Four men have been arrested and charged in the incident, with two facing common assault charges, one with counts of assaulting with intent to injure, and one with wounding with intent and injuring with intent.

The injuries left Vake on life support at a hospital in Auckland.

City Kickboxing released the following statement to the NZ Herald:

“It is with inexplicable sadness almost seven days to the hour after his hospital admission, Fau’s fight to find his way back to us ended. At this tragic time, the Vake family and City Kickboxing ask for time to grieve and reflect on the loss of Fau, a father, a son and a much loved brother to us all. We will speak when the time is right to ensure Fau’s loss is not forgotten, but for now please respect our privacy.”

Vake, 25, is survived by his four-year-old daughter, as well as three brothers who are also involved in martial arts.

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and lightweight contender Dan Hooker were among the teammates who paid tribute to the fallen Vake.

@stylebender, Instagram

@stylebender, Instagram

Vake competed twice in MMA as an amateur, winning both contests by knockout.