RYAN GRACIE Dead At 33

From The Associated Press:

Ryan Gracie, pronounced Hyan (August 14, 1974 – December 15, 2007), was a Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was a member of the Gracie family, and the grandson of Carlos Gracie, one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The PRIDE organization billed Ryan as the "bad boy" of the family who reputedly gained experience fighting in the streets of Brazil.

Ryan was arrested twice due to his aggressive behavior. In 2000, he was arrested for stabbing someone at Rio de Janeiro nightclub. On 15 December 2007 at approximately 1:30am, he was arrested for stealing and attempting to steal a number of vehicles as well as for attacking the three vehicle owners. The attacks included injuring a 76-year-old man with a knife, and threatening to kill another. At approximately 7:00am he was found dead in his prison cell apparently due to the effect of drugs. He tested positive for marijuana, cocaine, and an unknown anti-anxiety drug.

Our condolences go out to the entire Gracie family in this time of grief and loss.