Kickboxer Adrienne Simmons Dies From Head Trauma Suffered During Fight

Female amateur kickboxer, Adrienne Simmons, has died at age 34 after being knocked out by her opponent, Lindsay Scheer.

The initial injury occurred at the 2010 IKF World Classic Championships that were held at the Orlando World Center Mariott Resort last weekend. The tournament was sponsored by the International Kickboxing Federation. IKF officials could not be reached for comment.

“Simmons suffered severe head trauma in spite of wearing the mandatory protective head gear for amateur competitions in Florida Legal competition head gear has no jaw bars and less padding on the ears which would allow for a serious concussion to develop if the force of the impact landed on the unprotected portion of a fighters face.” – Examiner

There are many fingers being pointed.  Many of the people placing blame seem to be trying to shift blame elsewhere.  Who was to fault for such a tragedy or was it merely an accident?

WFTV reports that the fighter’s boyfriend and trainer “were upset because there was no medical staff at the fight.” 

Who regulates such an event that the protective gear does not protect and there are no medics or ambulance on sight? 

Lindsay Scheer’s trainer, Eric Haycraft posted his statement as to the events.  Simmons’ boyfriend Chike Lindsay stated “I never really wanted her to fight, I just wanted her to feel stronger and better about herself.” 

Lindsay further spoke out stating that the fight organizers should have never had Scheer fight Simmons as Scheer was an extremely skilled, veteran fighter where Simmons was not.  That compiled with the lack of medical staff – I wouldn’t be surprised if a wrongful death claim comes from all of this.
 
A sheriff’s office spokeswoman says the death is considered an accident as Simmons died Tuesday from fatal injuries 2 days after she had been knocked out at the tournament and life-flighted to the hospital. 

RIP, Adrienne Simmons.