Tributes are flowing for 26 year old Hakaraia Wilson who died on Wednesday morning in Gisborne. He was there to attend the Rhythm n Vines festival.
In a statement, Police say they attended the sudden death on the morning of 1 January 2025 at an address in Einstein Street, Gisborne.
“The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner.”
He devoted most of his life to martial arts, mainly Jiu-Jitsu and in the last few years, MMA. Recently, Wilson was based in the U.S under Bellator MMA.
Wilson’s last recorded fight was back in October at the Canggu Fight Night in Bali where he came up against Mark Alcoba, beating him by TKO.
Friends and whānau have taken to social media to express their sadness as they begin to process the news of his sudden death.
Oliver MMA founder, Steve Oliver shared a photo of his whānau with Hakaraia. The Facebook post is where many have left messages of condolences.
“Brother, lost for words can’t believe it rest in love brother Haks (Hakaraia)”
“Gonna miss you brother ” another post read.
In a 2020 interview with Te Ao Māori News he said he was introduced to the art of fighting at a very young age. His skill set was was in Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, karate, and kickboxing.
“I started getting into fighting under the guidance of my dad. He was a fighter back in the day and, as I was growing up, I’d go to his training and watch him. From then I knew what I wanted to do and so, without my dad I probably wouldn’t have chosen to do this sport.” he said
He was a graduate of kōhanga reo and a raukura of Te Aho Matua, Wilson always maintained that his superpower was being ‘Māori’.
More details to come.
