Former two-division world champion boxer Vernon Forrest was shot and killed Saturday (July 25) night in an apparent attempted robbery, according to police.
According to ESPN.com, Fulton County medical examiner Michele Stauffenberg confirmed that the boxer died from “multiple gunshot wounds involving the torso and thigh.”
According to Lt. Keith Meadows, who spoke to Atlanta radio station WSB Radio, the 38-year-old was shot seven or eight times – at least once in the head. Apparently, he chased two or more men trying to steal his Jaguar while putting air in its tires at an Atlanta gas station. Forrest reportedly had a gun and confronted the men, who killed him with two semi-automatic weapons.
“At this point we have a general description of at least two black males driving a red Monte Carlo,” stated Meadows in his the report.
Two-time promoter Gary Shaw said, “It’s 100 percent confirmed. He’s dead. I will say this about him – he was a decent human being. His work with kids, I think people knew how much he cared for kids, underprivileged and mentally challenged people. He was a real decent human being outside the ropes.“
Charles Watson, Forrest‘s manager, said police and witnesses told him that Forrest was at the gas station when a man approached, asking for money.
“Somehow, Vernon had his wallet out and the guy snatched his wallet and started running,” said Watson. “Vernon pursued after him. The guy turned the corner and Vernon didn’t see him. He turned around to go back to the car. That’s when he started firing.“
Watson explained that Forrest‘s 11-year old godson was with him, but was in the convenience store at the time of the shooting, and did not witness it.
“What can you say? Alexis Arguello, Arturo Gatti and Vernon Forrest all leaving us within 30 days? I think it’s a little much for our sport to handle,” said Shaw, speaking on the string of recent deaths of numerous boxing stars. “The violence, the guns have to go. Violence belongs inside the ropes. Not outside them. It’s just senseless. Maybe boxing ought to dedicate itself to keeping the violence inside the ropes and try to send that message out to the world.“
Gatti was found dead July 11 at a Brazilian resort. His wife, Amanda Rodrigues, is the prime suspect.
Arguello was found dead July 1 at his home in Managua, Nicaragua, in what is bieng called a suicide. Gatti was a former two-time champion, and Arguello was a former champion.
“I just feel so bad, he has a son you know,” lamented Forrest‘s trainer, Buddy McGirt. “Someone is going to be raised without a father because somebody wanted to rob someone.“
