Arturo Gatti Jr., the teenage son of Canadian boxing legend Arturo Gatti, has died at the age of 17.
In an Instagram post announcing the teen’s death, the former bodyguard of the elder Gatti described a chilling scene that mirrored the late boxer’s death, which was ruled a suicide.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say,…. R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR. who was found hanging in an apartment in Mexico yesterday. The same way they found his Father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago. My condolences to Arturo Gatti Seniors – Mom, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia,” Chuck Zito wrote on his page Wednesday.
Moe Latif, who reportedly coached Gatti Jr., also verified reports Wednesday in an Instagram Story.
“It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke,” the message read. “Artruro is gone. I’d appreciate if you stop reaching out at this time.”
TMZ reported Wednesday that “it’s not clear if foul play is suspected.”
The teen had aspired to take up boxing like his father.
Gatti, who won world titles in the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Council, was found dead in July 2009 by his wife, Amanda Rodrigues Gatti, in a rented Brazilian residence.
He was 37 years old.
Rodrigues Gatti came under suspicion and was taken into custody before being released when it was determined by authorities that Gatti had hung himself, according to ESPN.
Gatti was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
