The 15-month-old son of MMA star Marcus Kowal has been killed when a suspecteddrink-driver slammed into him as he was being pushed down the street in a pram.
The horror accident happened on Saturday in Hawthorne, California, when a car smashed into two people - a 15-year-old girl and the toddler Liam.
Police and emergency services raced to the scene and found the two suffering horrific injuries.
The 15-year-old girl had leg injuries, while the youngest victim - still in his pram - was found "pulseless and not breathing".
He was rushed to hospital and moved to the intensive care unit but tragically has since died.
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Liam's memory, with all money going towards paying for medical expenses for both Liam and the 15-year-old girl, and the funeral cost.
Posting to his Facebook account this morning, fighter Marcus Kowal said: "I want to thank everyone who has been there for us, in all forms and shapes.
"Thoughts, prayers, in person - whatever. We've received 100s and 100s of txt messages, emails, fb messages, etc - we are blown away. Your support means the world to us.
"About an hour ago, our baby was declared brain dead. He tried to fight so hard. He even died at one point but they brought him back. He's a little fighter. His heart is still beating but his brain is no longer working.
"Our hearts are broken and there's a void in my soul but we will get through this.
"Again, your support means the world and I wish we could respond to each and every one of you but right now, we are going work through this.
"Funeral arrangements will be posted here.
"Thank you.
"RIP Liam Mikael Kowal. 5/25/2015-9/4/2016."
Police later revealed the boy was being pushed by the teenager over a crossing when a SUV, being driven by a 72-year-old woman, steamed through and smashed into the pair.
The driver, Donna Marie Higgins, then fled the scene as witnesses chased her.
She was finally caught a block away by onlookers who used their cars to block her escape until police arrived and arrested her.
She was arrested for felony hit and run as well as felony drunk driving.
As news of the tragedy began to spread, friends and other fighters began paying tribute to the youngster and his heartbroken family.
MMA fighter Dmitry Gerasimov posted a short film of the tot to his Instagram page.
He wrote: "I'd never been so close to a life that started from scratch.
"I witnessed his eyes go from darting around the room aimlessly to recognizing faces, his hands swinging around wildly to blowing kisses at people, from crawling like a bear to walking like a penguin, from playing "did-he-poo?" to "peek-a-boo."
"It was a miracle to watch and it changed me in a fundamental way.
"I had a special connection with Liam.
"The impact he made on me will last as long as I do; the joy he brought will live in all who shared it.
"Love you Liam, RIP."
Fellow fighter Christos Giagos posted images of Liam and his parents to his Instagram page with the message: "I'm seriously at a loss for words, life can be so unfair.
"My heart goes out this family. These are the best parents I know.
"Liam I know you will continue to bring smiles to people's faces. RIP."
If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe page helping the family cover medical and funeral costs
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