Police were hunting two males Monday after witnesses say an up-and-coming MMA fighter was killed trying to stop gunmen in a botched robbery attempt in Brampton.
Police were called to the Rozz Restaurant and Entertainment Complex on Saturday afternoon, where they found a Brampton man suffering from life threatening injuries.
Kearn Nedd, 28, was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
A witness said there were 150 people at the hall for a charity poker game. The facility is located near the intersection of Highway 407 and Dixie Road.
Witnesses say two men burst into the banquet hall and fired several shots in a botched robbery attempt.
The victim was reportedly shot after a scuffle with one of the gunmen. Three bullet holes could be seen on the banquet hall's doors.
The victim's distraught friends said that Nedd was a Good Samaritan who tried to help, but ended up having his life taken away.
Boyan Kladnjakovic, one of Nedd's friends, said he was a "very helpful and selfless person even to the end. He died a hero trying to stop the robbery."
His friends say he was a rising star in the field of mix-martial arts, and was set to debut as a professional next month.
David Edwards, who trained with the Brampton fighter, said that Nedd worked very hard.
"It's a sad thing that we won't have him anymore," said Edwards.
Police did not immediately offer descriptions of the suspects, but said they are seeking at least two men in connection with the shooting.
In a telephone interview on Sunday morning, Peel police Const. Wayne Patterson said police worked through the night interviewing witnesses and continue to investigate.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked contact investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 3205, or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The public can also pass information to investigators through the Crime Stoppers website at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.
With files from CTV's John Musselman
