MMA star Marcus Kowal’s baby son is killed by ‘drink driver’ who slammed his vehicle into 15-month-old’s pram
The tragedy struck on Saturday in Hawthorne, California, when a car smashed into 15-month-old Liam and a girl aged 15
MMA star Marcus Kowal's baby son was killed after a suspected drink driver slammed into his pram.
The tragedy struck on Saturday in Hawthorne, California, when a car smashed into 15-month-old Liam and his aunt aged 15 who was pushing the lads pushchair.
Cops and emergency services rushed to the scene and found the pair horrendously injured.
The girl suffered leg injuries while the tot was still in his pram without a pulse and "not breathing".
Liam was rushed into intensive care in hospital but doctors were unable to save his young life.
Posting to his Facebook account this morning, fighter Marcus Kowal said: "I want to thank everyone who has been there for us, in all forms and shapes.
"Thoughts, prayers, in person - whatever. We've received 100s and 100s of txt messages, emails, fb messages, etc - we are blown away. Your support means the world to us.
"About an hour ago, our baby was declared brain dead. He tried to fight so hard. He even died at one point but they brought him back.
"He's a little fighter. His heart is still beating but his brain is no longer working.
"Our hearts are broken and there's a void in my soul but we will get through this.
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"Again, your support means the world and I wish we could respond to each and every one of you but right now, we are going work through this.
"Funeral arrangements will be posted here.
"Thank you.
"RIP Liam Mikael Kowal. 5/25/2015-9/4/2016."
Cops later revealed a 4x4 being driven by a female pensioner had crashed into the young duo.
Donna Marie Higgins then fled the scene as witnesses gave chase.
The 72-year-old was finally caught one city block away by motorists who used their cars to block her escape till police arrived.
She was then arrested for felony hit and run as well as felony drunk driving.
A page has been set up in the tragic tot's memory with all money going towards medical bills for Liam and the 15-year-old girl also hit by the car as well as funeral costs.
Tributes have poured in from the MMA community with fighter Dmitry Gerasimov taking to Instagram to write: "I'd never been so close to a life that started from scratch.
"I witnessed his eyes go from darting around the room aimlessly to recognizing faces, his hands swinging around wildly to blowing kisses at people, from crawling like a bear to walking like a penguin, from playing "did-he-poo?" to "peek-a-boo."
"It was a miracle to watch and it changed me in a fundamental way.
"I had a special connection with Liam.
"The impact he made on me will last as long as I do; the joy he brought will live in all who shared it.
"Love you Liam, RIP."
Fellow fighter Christos Giagos posted images of Liam and his parents to his Instagram page with the message: "I'm seriously at a loss for words, life can be so unfair.
"My heart goes out this family. These are the best parents I know.
"Liam I know you will continue to bring smiles to people's faces. RIP."
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