Both UFC.com and the Imperial Valley Press are reporting that former UFC Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner has been found near his campsite in Palo Verde. The cause of death has not been announced pending an autopsy.
It is known that Evan was enthusiastic about this camping trip, and posted to various blogs including SpikeTV and MySpace that this would be a dangerous trip, but was very excited about it.
Evan was known for his adventurous spirit as much as he was for his trademark elbows from the ground and pound. He won the UFC title in a matchup against Dave Terrell but dropped it in his first title defense against Rich Franklin. Fans and friends remember Evan as truly one of a kind, more poet than fighter and more often than not extremely shy in the limelight. Rest in peace.