Jordan Parsons, hospitalized after hit-and-run, dies

Bellator MMA fighter Jordan Parsons has died after being struck in a hit-and-run incident in Delray Beach, Florida. He was 25.

Bellator officials reported Parsons' death on Wednesday. Parsons had been hospitalized since late Saturday evening, after he was hit by a silver SUV while crossing an intersection. In an effort to save Parsons' life, his leg was amputated.

Delray Beach Police are still working to identify a suspect.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a dear member of the Bellator family, Jordan Parsons," Bellator president Scott Coker said in a released statement. "Jordan was an exceptional athlete and a rising star in the sport. But more importantly, he was an exceptional young man. Jordan was hard-working, dedicated, intelligent and a pleasure to be around. He represented all the reasons we love this sport.

"It's a terribly tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates."

Parsons' coach, Neil Melanson, used to train at Alliance MMA in San Diego before moving to the Blackzilians camp in Boca Raton, Florida, where Parsons trained.

"Jordan was a guy of great character, amazing work ethic, 100 percent committed to trying to be the best he could possibly be," Melanson told ESPN.com. "We met out in San Diego and hit it off. When I took the job at Blackzilians, he moved here. There aren't too many fighters willing to follow a coach like that. He was an athlete, a hard worker and he had a great attitude.

"He was just crossing the street and someone pegged him, left him for dead, took everything from him and those close to him. It's a complete tragedy. It's a crime. He's going to be very much missed. He will always be on my mind and of the teammates and people he touched."

According to police, a damaged side mirror was left at the scene of the hit-and-run. A $1,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest.

Parsons (11-2) signed with Bellator in 2014 and had been scheduled for a featherweight fight on May 14 in San Jose, California.