Family of Muay Thai fighter who died after charity bout seeks answers, stronger safety standards

The family of Damian Ong, the Muay Thai fighter who died following a bout at a charity event, has released a statement on Oct. 6.

In the statement, posted by his sister on Instagram, the family raised questions about what happened on Sept. 12, the day of the bout.

They also questioned whether "everything possible" was done to save Ong’s life.

The family further asked what lessons could be learned to strengthen safety standards and medical support at combat sports events in Singapore.

"We carry these questions with heavy hearts, seeking only truth and clarity about what happened to our boy. No parent should ever have to outlive their child, and no parent ever truly recovers from such a loss. As the formal processes take their course, we hold on to the hope that Damian's memory will help protect every young athlete in Singapore."

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) previously confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

Gratitude

"Damian was just 24 - a quiet, gentle and easy-going young man who took part in the AMC 13 - Fight for Hope charity event at the National Stadium on 12 September 2026 with the same trust and passion he had always brought to the sport he loved," the family wrote.

They expressed gratitude to the medical team at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, who "fought tirelessly" for Ong in the intensive care unit (ICU) for two long weeks.

"They cared for him with immense humanity and stood by us - even cried with us - in our darkest moments. We will never forget their compassion."

The family also thanked their friends and others in the community close to Ong.

"The outpouring of support from our community, local representatives, his coach, his gym-mates at Inspire Fitness Asia and the wider Muay Thai community has meant the world to us during this painful time," they wrote.

"To Damian's friends, who have helped us in so many ways and shed tears alongside us - thank you for standing by us like family. We know that many others are grieving this loss, their hearts just as broken as ours."

Donated organs

Mothership understands Ong suffered a traumatic brain injury following the match and spent about two weeks in the ICU in critical condition.

He eventually passed away on Sep. 27.

His organs were donated for transplants, saving four lives.

Mothership understands that his donation helped a 58-year-old man who had been waiting for a transplant for four years and four months, and a woman, 68, who had been on the waitlist for over two years.

His donation also helped a 40-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman who have been on dialysis for eight and nine years respectively.