Orlando Sanchez, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu star and ADCC champion, passed away on December 15, 2022 at the age of 40. His death shocked and saddened the combat sports community, who paid tribute to him on social media. However, the cause of his death was not revealed at the time, leaving many fans wondering what happened to the BJJ legend.
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Coroner’s Report Confirms Drug Overdose
According to a recent coroner’s report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Orlando Sanchez died of an accidental drug overdose with Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and can cause respiratory depression and death when taken in high doses or mixed with other substances. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and risk of stroke.
The coroner’s report did not specify how much of each drug was found in Sanchez’s system or how he obtained them. His family has not commented on the situation.
Sanchez’s History and Controversies
Sanchez was born in Cuba and moved to the United States when he was 10 years old. He started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2008 and quickly rose to prominence as a top-shelf Gracie Barra athlete. He won the ADCC +99kg championship in 2015 and took second place in 2017. He also won an IBJJF world championship as a blue belt. He was known for his top-heavy style and his nicknames “Big-O” and “The Cuban Tree Stump”.
Sanchez was also a controversial figure in the BJJ community. He was accused of being overly aggressive with white belt students and injuring them during sparring sessions. He also famously joint locked UFC fighter Sean Strickland during a training camp, causing a heated exchange between them. Moreover, there were multiple allegations of inappropriate and abusive relationships between Sanchez and his female students dating from 2016 to 2021.
Tributes from Friends and Fans
Despite his controversies, Sanchez was also remembered as a loyal friend, a dedicated teacher, and a fierce competitor by many people who knew him personally or admired him from afar. His longtime gym, Gracie Barra, confirmed his death in an Instagram post and thanked him for being a great friend and one of their greatest athletes. Many other BJJ stars, such as Tom DeBlass, Robert Drysdale, Marcus Buchecha, Gordon Ryan, and Jake Shields, also expressed their condolences and respect for Sanchez on social media.
Sanchez is survived by his wife and three children. He leaves behind a legacy of toughness, kindness, and loyalty through his efforts as a competitor, professor, school owner, and regional leader. Rest in peace, Orlando Sanchez. You will always be remembered.