Judo Star and Olympic Hopeful Jack Hatton Dies at 24

The USA Judo team announced the "unexpected passing" of 24-year-old national team member and Olympic hopeful Jack Hatton on Wednesday.

NTD Newsroom

Published: 9/27/2019, 12:48:01 PM EDT

Judo Star and Olympic Hopeful Jack Hatton Dies at 24 — Jack Hatton (blue) of the United States and Marco Tumampad (white) of the Philippines compete in the Men's-81kg Pool C first round on day four of the World Judo Championships at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan on Aug. 28, 2019. (Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)

The USA Judo team announced the "unexpected passing" of 24-year-old national team member and Olympic hopeful Jack Hatton on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Hatton was one of the team's top players and was a highly decorated athlete, winning various competitions around the globe.

It is not immediately known how Hatton died.

"Jack made an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and he will not be forgotten. We grieve with the entire USA Judo and international judo community during this tough time," USA Judo said in a statement on their website.

Hatton had been training at Pedro's Judo Center in Wakefield, Massachusetts since 2015.

The center paid tribute to him on its Facebook page: "Along with being a top U.S. Judo athlete, Jack was kind-hearted, caring and an all-around great person. He was a true role model for students at our dojo and judoka all over the country."

Former MMA Fighter Katy Collins Dies at 32

In a similar story, former MMA fighter, Katy Collins, died at the age of 32 after suffering a brain aneurysm, according to reports.

“The fight is over. You never stopped fighting and we never gave up on you. Just wasn’t in the cards,” coach JT Tilley said in a Facebook post on Sept. 25.

According to MMA Mania, she leaves behind two sons.

A former MMA fighter, Katy Collins, died at the age of 32 after suffering a brain aneurysm, according to reports. (GoFundMe) — A former MMA fighter, Katy Collins, died at the age of 32 after suffering a brain aneurysm, according to reports. GoFundMe

The BBC reported that the Arkansas native spent five days in the hospital before her death.

Collins' sister, Kimberley, also wrote, "I know you would want me to thank all of these friends for the posts and shares personally but Sister you have so many. Seeing them all made my heart smile," according to the BBC.

A GoFundMe page was set up for her for funeral and medical expenses.

Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to this report.