Boxing Legend Pernell Whitaker Dies after Being Hit by Car

967 July 15, 2019 | by Edduin Carvajal

Pernell Whitaker, who competed as a professional boxer from 1984 to 2001 and won titles at four different weight categories, passed away in Virginia aged 55.

As TMZ reported, Whitaker, considered by many as one of the greatest boxers of all times, was hit by a car at the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Baker Road, which is not a popular nightlife area.

We're sorry to learn of the tragic death of Pernell Whitaker.
Rest in peace, champ. pic.twitter.com/SsbN4h5YDF
— Boxing News (@BoxingNewsED) July 15, 2019

Officials received a call reporting the incident shortly after 10 pm Sunday and, when they arrived at the scene, Whitaker was “in really bad shape.” Sadly, the former boxing legend died soon after.

The best lightweight I ever saw passed away today. Yes, that includes Roberto Duran, Floyd Mayweather, Ike Williams, and anyone else you want to mention. RIP Pernell Whitaker.
— Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) July 15, 2019

So far, the details of the accident are still unclear. TMZ pointed out, though, that the driver involved in the event stayed on the scene and talked to the police, but it is unknown whether or not they were arrested.

#RIP to Boxing Legend Pernell Whitaker pic.twitter.com/QK9iOUCOFq
— Boxing Insider.com (@BoxingInsider) July 15, 2019

Dominique, one of the four children who survive Whitaker, released a statement announcing her father’s passing.

View this post on Instagram

R I P champ, one of the best fighters to ever do it. This photo was taken 7/13/19.

A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on Jul 15, 2019 at 6:44am PDT

"To everyone, please respect my family’s privacy in this trying moment. I want to inform people that today we lost a legend truly one of boxing’s greatest pound-for-pound champions, my father Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker."