Mixed martial artist and two-time heavyweight boxer Francis Ngannou was allegedly involved in a fatal crash that killed a girl in Cameroon’s capital city of Yaoundé, according to The Cameroon Concord. The victim, identified as Ntsama Brigitte Manuella, was taken to the hospital, where she died during surgery.

The incident was initially reported by a whistleblower group called N’Zui Manto. 

Although the reports are only recently coming out, the crash happened over Easter weekend, according to Cameroon Online.

The exact circumstances are unclear: 

“Some reports claim that Ngannou's vehicle collided with a motorcycle carrying 17-year-old Ntsama Brigitte Manuella, while others allege that Ngannou himself was riding a motorcycle that struck the young woman,” according to Cameroon Online.

Ngannou reportedly took Manuella to the hospital, where she underwent surgery for her injuries, including to her arm and leg, but she never awoke. “Were these complications related to the initial injuries or potential medical negligence during the procedure?” asked news outlet 237online.

Said the Cameroon Concord: “Further developments are expected as authorities and Ngannou's representatives respond to growing public pressure.”

Ngannou, a beloved public figure for his improbable rise from working in a sand mine for paltry wages to worldwide fame – a journey depicted in an ESPN cover story – has also endured horrible tragedy in his personal life: In August 2024, his 15-month-old son Kobe died. Ngannou posted a heartbroken tribute on social media. 

Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023 while still the organization’s heavyweight champion, feeling like he could get paid more elsewhere. That led him to boxing, where he lost a narrow split decision to then-lineal champion Tyson Fury in October 2023, and suffered a brutal second-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March 2024. Ngannou returned to MMA in October in the Professional Fighters League, scoring a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira.