A dad-of-one Muay Thai fighter was shot dead in an apparent case of mistaken identity after allegedly being confused with a man wearing the same colour T-shirt.
Cristiano Gonçalves Figueira, 31, was at a bar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday (27 September) when a gunman arrived.
The attacker reportedly walked towards Cristiano and shot him several times at close range before firing another shot into the air and fleeing.
READ MORE: Combat-sports fighters brawl in street hours after drinking together
Cristiano, who leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter, was hit at least three times, according to reports.
Friends rushed the athlete to a nearby hospital but he died from his injuries, as reported by Need To Know.
Witnesses reportedly claimed the gunman had been searching for a man who had assaulted his son.
He had allegedly been told the person responsible was wearing a green T-shirt.
Cristiano was also wearing green at the time.
Police are still searching for the suspect and no arrests have been made.
Cristiano’s devastated wife, fellow athlete Beatriz Gomes, paid an emotional tribute to her husband.
She wrote: “You inspired me and encouraged me to grow in the sport.
“You always believed in me, praised my potential and made me believe I could achieve so much more.
“You were a wonderful father, an excellent professional, a devoted husband and, above all, my best friend.”
Cristiano taught classes as part of a social project and friends said he had helped transform people’s lives.
His funeral was held on Monday (28 September).
Beatriz vowed to continue pursuing the sporting success her husband had encouraged her to achieve.
She said: “I’ll keep the promise I made to you. I’ll become the great champion you always believed I could be.
“Every achievement will have a little piece of you in it, because you helped shape the person and athlete I’ve become.”
Cristiano’s brother Vitor called for the killer to be brought to justice.
He said: “The person who did this must pay for what they’ve done. I hope they receive the maximum possible sentence.”
READ MORE: Aspiring MMA fighter, 27, mauled to death in freak black bear attack
