vernon forrest dead

Vernon Forrest Dead

Vernon Forrest Dead – World Champion Boxer Vernon Forrest Murdered in Atlanta: Former boxing champion and U.S. Olympian Vernon Forrest was shot and killed in an attempted carjacking in Northwest Atlanta. He was 38 years old. Vernon “the Viper” Forrest (February 12, 1971 – July 25, 2009) was an American professional boxer. He was a world champion in the welterweight and light middleweight divisions and is best known for his two fights with Shane Mosley.

Lt. Keith Meadows with the Atlanta police department told WSB Radio, Forrest was putting air in the tires of his Jaguar around 11 p.m. Saturday at a gas station on White Hall St. at McDaniel Blvd. Investigators said at least two men jumped out of a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo and tried to steal Forrest’s car. The boxer had a gun and started running after the suspects.

“The victim and suspect became involved in a brief foot chase,” Lt. Meadows said. “At some point, gunfire was exchanged between the two of them. The victim was shot at least once in the head.”Lt. Meadows said Forrest was shot 7 or 8 times by two semi-automatic weapons. Investigators said they are talking to several witness.“At this point we have a general description of at least two black males driving a red Monte Carlo.” Lt. Meadows said.

Police don’t think the suspects knew Forrest was a professional boxer. His girlfriend’s young son was in the car at the time of the shooting. Family members are flying in from Texas to pick up the child, Lt. Meadows said.In his professional debut in November 1992, Forrest defeated Charles Hawkins. Through 1996, Forrest stopped 13 out of 15 opponents. Five were stopped in the first round.

As the years went by Forrest won a few minor title belts. It the year 2000 Forrest finally got his chance to fight for the IBF welterweight title against Raul Frank. A cut caused by an accidental head butt ended the bout in round three and the fight was therefore ruled a no contest.