Yesterday UFC vet Gilbert Aldana passed away yesterday in a tragic boating accident according to UFC.com. He was 29.

Aldana died in his native Arizona after attempting to retrieve a shirt that had fallen off the boat and into the water. A friend attempted rescue and was unsuccessful. A search is underway for his body which has yet to be retrieved.

UFC President Dana White commented on Aldana’s passing:

“Gilbert Aldana was a real fighter and he always gave 100% in every bout he was in. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the mixed martial arts community and the thoughts and prayers of our organization are with his family and friends.�

Here is more from the release about Aldana’s death:

“He built a reputation as a crowd-pleaser with his aggressive style and eagerness to stand toe-to-toe with his opponents, and won his first five MMA bouts by KO or TKO in a combined three minutes and 43 seconds, earning him a shot at the UFC.”

He lose his two UFC fights last year against Paul Buentello and Cheick Kongo but won his most recent fight against Rich Beecroft at a Rage in the Cage event in January of this year.

Our condolences go out to Aldana’s family and friends.

Tags: Dana White, Gilbert Aldana