On Sunday night, legendary boxer Pernell Whitaker also known as ‘Sweet Pea’ died after he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Whitaker was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 55 years old.
According to CNN, the driver responsible remained on the scene to speak with police. There is still an investigation underway.
Whitaker, often regarded as one of the greatest lightweight boxers of all time, grew up in Norfolk, Virgina. ‘Sweet Pea’ won the Olympic Gold medal at the 1984 Summer games. Eventually he went on to become a professional wrestler and became a world champion in four different weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight. According to CBS Sports, Whitaker still holds the record for the longest unified lightweight championship reign.
In 2001, the Olympic medalist retired from boxing and worked as a trainer. Six years later he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
His legendary work as an athlete meant a lot to people all over the world, including Floyd Mayweather who expressed heartfelt condolences on instagram.
Whitaker is survived by two sons and a daughter.
