Australian MMA Fighter's Death Highlights Risks of Rhabdomyolysis

Jake Sendler, 21, died from severe muscle breakdown after unknowingly pushing through symptoms, prompting his family to raise awareness of the rare condition.

Jake Sendler, a 21-year-old MMA fighter and personal trainer from Melbourne, died on March 13, 2025, from complications of rhabdomyolysis.
The rare condition, triggered by intense physical exertion, caused severe muscle breakdown, flooding his body with toxins and leading to multiple organ failure.
Sendler unknowingly pushed through symptoms such as muscle soreness and dark urine, mistaking them for normal training fatigue and dehydration.
Doctors described his case as the most severe they had encountered, with rapid deterioration following his collapse during his debut fight on March 3, 2025.
His family has launched a campaign to raise awareness about rhabdomyolysis, calling it a 'silent killer,' while a GoFundMe page in his memory has raised over $30,000.