Francis Ngannou issues first comments on fatal motorcycle accident in Cameroon

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou issued his first public comments following a motorcycle accident that resulted in the death of a teenage girl in his home country of Cameroon.

In a statement released to TMZ, Ngannou said his "heart was shattered" by the incident, which reportedly occurred in Cameroon's capital city of Yaounde over Easter weekend.

"From the very beginning, I have been by the family's side, offering support, comfort, and deepest condolences during this time," Ngannou said in the statement. "I've met with them privately to share in their grief, and I will continue to stand with them every step of the way. I carry their pain with me, and my unwavering thoughts and support remain with them as they face this heartbreaking loss."

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According to reports, Ngannou was driving a motorcycle through the Omnisports district of Yaounde when he struck a 17-year-old girl identified by news sources as Ntsama Brigitte Manuella.

The girl suffered serious injuries in the crash. Ngannou transported her to Yaounde General Hospital and paid for her medical treatment, but she later died of her injuries. Cameroonian authorities are reportedly still investigating the incident.

Ngannou was born and raised in the Cameroonian city of Batié, before emigrating to Europe in the hopes of becoming a professional boxer. He later took up MMA while living in Paris, and made his UFC debut in 2015. Ngannou would go on to win the UFC heavyweight title in 2021, before leaving the organization while still the champion following a prolonged contract dispute.

After leaving the UFC, Ngannou fulfilled his dream of becoming a pro boxer, fighting former heavyweight champ Tyson Fury to a close split-decision loss in 2023, then losing to another former champ in Anthony Joshua via second-round knockout in 2024.

For a time, it was thought that Ngannou might not return to fighting following the death of his 15-month-old son Kobe in April of 2024. But later that year, Ngannou made his debut in the PFL, winning his first MMA bout in nearly three years and dedicating the bout to his son's memory.