Leandro Lo, one of the most important figures of Jiu-jitsu, eight times world champion of this sport (martial art), was killed with a gun. The Brazilian was shot in the head by a person he argued with at a party in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, federal sources said.
“The sports idol, Leandro Lo leaves us physically. We pay tribute and honor to him who helped and inspired so many around the world,” reported the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Sports Confederation (CBJJE).
The murder happened in the early hours of this Sunday, in the southern area of Sao Paulo, where the athlete had gone with friends to enjoy a presentation of a popular music group at a party.
According to witnesses, the fighter argued for still unclear reasons with a man, apparently drunk, and immobilized him with a typical martial arts arm movement in an attempt to calm him down. After letting him go, the person in question pulled out a gun and shot the world champion in the head. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he could not survive.
His aggressor, who fled after the crime, has been identified and is wanted.
Leandro Pereira do Nascimento Lo, 33, was an eight-time world champion in jiu-jitsu in five different categories and won five World Cup titles in the sport, as well as eight Pan American titles.
