'Truly heartbreaking': Female kickboxer, 26, dies from injuries
Tributes have been pouring in across the martial arts world, following tragic news of the death of 26-year-old kickboxer Saeideh Aletaha.
The Iranian product design engineer collapsed after suffering a brain injury during a K-1 bout at the "Fast And Furious Fight Series" in Southampton last weekend.
She was rushed to hospital but tragically died the next day.
British police say investigations into the 26-year-old's death are ongoing.
A local gym in Southampton shared news of Aletaha's tragic passing with a heartbreaking post.
"Following the show Saturday we regret to announce that one of our team-mates unfortunately suffered an injury leaving her in a critical condition that she tragically will not recover from.
"Saeideh Aletaha was a lovely character with a beautiful soul. Her dedication to the sport was 110% travelling miles every day just to train.
"She found her place with us just a few months ago but has become a part of the family and will be sorely missed.
"This news comes as a devastating blow to us all at the gym and the whole community. Our thoughts and preys (sic) go out to her family."
A devastated fighting community also paid tribute to the kickboxer on social media.
Truly heartbreaking 💔 RIP Sai Aletaha
A harrowing reminder not only of the consequences of competing in a cage/ring, but of what can happen when there's a lack of comprehensive mandatory medical standards across all shows
Until @uk_sport recognises #MMA, this is just how it is https://t.co/6eCtEwNPHD— Fight HQ (@FightHQTV) November 18, 2019
Sai Aletaha....she was such a lovely, kind person we'd always joke about clinching in thai and how she didnt like it and we'd laugh about it....although I knew her for couple months it felt like years.
This fight game is a brutal sport...rest in peace girl 😥😥 pic.twitter.com/MZwA86DWr7— Grapplurr (@Grapplurr) November 18, 2019
Boxing/MMA is such a fun sport to watch and to keep up with. However I would never want my kid or friends or family to ever participate. RIP to that amazing fighter Ms. Aletaha #godbless
— Dean Portman (@BlakeBirdsong) November 18, 2019
RIP Saeideh 'Sai' Aletaha 🙏
— Ivan Finch (@McTwisted) November 18, 2019
Very sad to news for UK MMA. A tragic reminder of the risks of the fightgame.
Sai Aletaha died after an amateur fight in Southampton this weekend.
My thoughts go out to her family, friends & team mates.
💚🙏#MMA #UK #newshttps://t.co/Yf0oM76uAo— 🇮🇪 Irish Chris MMA 🌐 (@IrishCconMMA) November 18, 2019
Stonehenge CrossFit - with whom Aletaha had been a member for three years - said "she was friends with all she met, had time for everybody and was a tireless worker when she trained."
It also said that "more than 30 members" went to visit Ms Aletaha in hospital on Sunday, which was a "testament to her popularity".
Event organisers passed on their condolences to the family of Aletaha but insisted safety protocols were not overlooked.
'All competitors get in prepared that they may be injured and this is something not expected to happen 99.9% of the time," a statement posted to their Facebook page read.
"But, it can and in this we make the environment as safe as possible with pre and post medicals from a Doctor, and full medical cover through out with Doctor, Paramedic and Ambulance on site alongside our experienced team of staff with numerous first aiders, safety is not something ever skimped on in any of our 19 shows and all matches are made equal.
"Thoughts of course go out to all family, friends and team mates, if anyone needs any support please come to us or your coaches."