A “promising” MMA fighter who dreamed of turning pro was shot dead in a suspected “racist terrorist attack” last week.
Pengo Bossio Wangi, 26, was killed during a shooting spree across the Paris suburbs of Trappes and La Verrière on Friday, 23 October.
Another five people were injured in the horror attack.
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French President Emmanuel Macron labelled the shooting as a “racist terrorist attack”, branding it a “turning point in the life of our Republic and our nation”.
Wangi, who was of Congolese origin, trained at Atch Academy, a Mixed Martial Arts club in Aubervilliers, north of Paris.
Speaking to local media, Stéphane Chaufourier, founder of the gym, said: “Pengo was a promising amateur. He wanted to turn professional. He was very committed to his sport.”
The club announced his death and paid tribute to the young fighter, remembering his smile, energy and generosity in a touching tribute on social media.
The club said: “It is with immense sadness and profound shock that the ATCH Academy family learned of Pengo’s death, after he was killed today in Trappes in the attack that struck our country.
“Pengo was one of us. On the mats and beyond, he was someone who set an example: present, respectful and always ready to encourage others to be their best. His smile, his energy and his generosity will remain etched on our walls and in our hearts.
“Today, words fail us. Nothing justifies a life being taken in this way.
“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, friends and all the victims of this attack. The club stands alongside them and extends its most sincere condolences.
“Rest in peace, Pengo. You will never be forgotten.”
Wangi is said to have been working towards a professional MMA career and was regarded as a fighter with potential.
He reportedly travelled for an hour and 20 minutes to the gym so he could spend two hours working on his sport.
His amateur record stood at three wins and four defeats, but those who knew him believed he had the dedication to progress.
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