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Boxer's death ruled accidental
An autopsy performed yesterday on Francisco Rodriguez concluded that the 25-year-old fighter died from a "full-blunt impact injury" to the head, said Jeff Moran, a spokesman for the city Medical Examiner's Office.
The death was ruled accidental, Moran said.
A 2001 Golden Gloves national champion from Chicago, Rodriguez died Sunday at Hahnemann University Hospital, the first boxing fatality in Philadelphia in 31 years. He was brought to the hospital from the Blue Horizon on Friday night after collapsing following a super-bantamweight title fight against Philadelphian Teon Kennedy.
Rodriguez's brother, Alex, also his manager, confirmed yesterday in a text message that the family was donating at least eight of Rodriguez's organs, including a kidney, to his uncle.
"We just learned that Paco and our uncle are a match," Rodriguez said in a statement. "Our uncle has been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant for a long, long time. So although we've tragically lost Paco, we're able to give this incredible gift of life to another family member.
"My family is desperately grieving the loss of Paco, but there is some comfort knowing that he will save at least eight lives and benefit so many families."
The statement from Alex Rodriguez also said: "My brother was so strong and healthy. His heart and lungs were in perfect condition. It would have been a terrible waste not to share his life with others. How could we not help another family? My daughter was born with just one kidney, and thank God she's beautiful and healthy. But, God forbid, she ever needs a transplant. . . . I'm absolutely sure that Paco, in a heartbeat, would have offered her his kidney."
An account had been set up to help pay the fighter's medical expenses. Donations can be made to the Francisco Rodriguez Estate fund account at any Chase Bank.
Contact staff writer Mike Jensen at 215-854-4489 or mjensen@phillynews.com.
