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R.I.P.
UFC Fighter Found Dead

Posted Sep 9th 2008 11:20AM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner went missing in the California desert and his body was found yesterday.

Law enforcement tells us the 37-year-old went out into the desert near San Diego last Friday. That same day, Tanner sent a text message to a friend that he was out of water and needed help. There was a massive search that ended abruptly yesterday.

Tanner blogged last month he was going to the desert because of his friends talking about "treasure hunting and lost gold, and my own insatiable appetite for adventure and exploration." Tanner continued, "I plan on going so deep into the desert, that any failure of my equipment could cost me my life."

Tanner's song of choice on his MySpace page was "Guaranteed" by Eddie Vedder from the movie "Into the Wild." The movie was about a guy who goes off into the wilderness against the advice of everyone he knows. Guess how it ended.

Tanner was featured on Spike TV's, "The Ultimate Fighter." He lost his last bout in June at the Ultimate Fighter 7 finale.

Cause of death is undetermined.

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76. you idiots need to get the facts. only a fool assumes. wait until the investigation is done before you jump to conclusions.

Posted at 10:40AM on Sep 9th 2008 by jesus

77. I am surprised at all of the horrible comments on here. A man just died and you people are making fun of him. He has a family that is in a state of shock about his death. Please have some respect for his family.

Posted at 10:47AM on Sep 9th 2008 by Happyface1234

78. Evan Tanner after his desert excursion..... Even Tanner.

Posted at 10:55AM on Sep 9th 2008 by FlBiker

79. from all Evans fans we send love to his family R.I.P your a legend and we wont forget what you have done for the sport of MMA

Posted at 11:14AM on Sep 9th 2008 by buffer magee

80. For all you people who think this was suicide, you're a bunch of idiots. The details are that his bike was at his camp out of gas. He then tried walking back to get help. The helicopter spotted his footprints before they found him. Why would he try walking back if he wanted to die? Why would he message his friend and tell him he's out of water and needs help? Exact words.....

Why would he even bother setting up camp? Why would he even buy a motorcyle? He could just start walking out in to the desert???? User your heads and stop diminishing this man without knowing any facts. Read his blogs and he should be an inspiration to all of us.

Posted at 11:23AM on Sep 9th 2008 by Matt

81. I'm a walking suicide but you'd never know cause' I hide I got too much pride to show my depression I think about dying everyday but never say anything cause' people will stop me rob me from succeeding in my goal.
I fold my letter up saying how sorry I am for being a disappointment to my family and you'll be better without me.
You'd never think little baby girl would try something so bold didn't know that the mold you made her in turned it's grin and that hell really existed in her eyes and she cries for god to please just let me die and be free from the reality she's facing!! I'm a walking suicide

Posted at 11:31AM on Sep 9th 2008 by Suicide

82. EVAN WAS A GLADIATOR IN THE RING AND A TRUE AND GENTLE MAN OUTSIDE THE RING. HE LOVED THE EARTH AND NATURE WITH ALL HIS HEART.

EVAN WILL BE MISSED BY HUNDREDS OF CLOSE FRIENDS AS WELL AS MILLIONS OF FANS WHO LOVED TO SEE HIM LEAVE EVERYTHING IN THE RING WITH NO REGRETS. SAY A PRAYER FOR EVAN THEN LOOK AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR.

Posted at 11:39AM on Sep 9th 2008 by JEN2K

83. what a shame...i had the opportunity to meet evan in vegas this past year and he was such a nice person and seemed to have his act together...i send my best to his family, fans and friends....you will be missed evan.....love form tennessee

Posted at 3:30PM on Sep 9th 2008 by kimmie

84. Something is wrong with the situation. How could be run out of water on his first day? That's unrealistic right there.

Posted at 12:04PM on Sep 9th 2008 by PolarBear

85. Youtube: THE GREAT GIG IN THE SKY RACHEL

it's my ode to Evan

The Great Gig in the Sky
(Wright) 4:44

"And I am not frightened of dying, any time will do, I
don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying?
There's no reason for it, you've gotta go sometime."

"If you can hear this whispering you are dying."

"I never said I was frightened of dying."

Posted at 12:12PM on Sep 9th 2008 by JEN2K

86. #80 suicide

Go with your feelings!

Posted at 12:11PM on Sep 9th 2008 by anonymous

87. RIP Evan. We alwasy had to go for the home town boy. You were one of my favorite fighters. I am sure all of you fellow Texas Panhandle-ites will miss you dearly!

Posted at 1:10PM on Sep 9th 2008 by yellowroseoftx03

88. Diary Day 1: Ran out of gas and water
Diary Day2:

Posted at 12:19PM on Sep 9th 2008 by anonymous

89. See kids, steroids screw with your head and make you do stupid-ass things like this.

Posted at 12:47PM on Sep 9th 2008 by Marshall

90. R.I.P. Evan Michael Tanner. To those who do not know or have not heard of Tanner he was a great fighter and and even greater person. Tanner was an avid and experienced nature enthusiast and had been on many solo adventures. to those that followed his blog know that he was fully equipped for this trip and had the best gear available. It was just his time and he would not have probably had it any other way. Evan, may your spirit wander the heavens just as it did on earth. R.I.P. my friend.

Posted at 8:50AM on Sep 10th 2008 by El Ganzo

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