VIRGINIA—Retired boxer Pernell “Sweet Pea“ Whitaker, 55, died on Sunday, July 14 after being struck by a vehicle in Virginia, the Virginia Beach Police Department reported.
On Sunday, at approximately 10:04 p.m., Emergency Communications received a call for vehicle/pedestrian accident. The incident occurred near the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Baker Road. When officers arrived on scene they located an adult male victim who had been struck by a vehicle.
Whitaker succumbed to his injuries on the scene. The driver remained at scene with police following the accident.
“This case is still very active. Traffic on Northampton Boulevard westbound has been shutdown,” said Master Police Officer L. M. Bauder.
Retired boxer Evander Holyfield tweeted, “I am saddened to learn of my good friend and Olympic teammate Pernell Whitaker’s untimely passing last night. We share so many great memories. He was small in statue but yet so big in heart and skills inside the ring, there will never be another like him, he will truly be missed.”
Whitaker served as a professional boxer from 1984 to 2001. During his career, Whitaker won 40 boxing matches out of 46 total fights, 17 of those fights ended knockouts.
Written By Tameara Lewis
