Former boxing champion Vernon Forrest was shot and killed last night in an apparent robbery and carjacking. WSB Radio in Atlanta first reported the shooting, citing a police spokesman.
Forrest, who was 38, was an Atlanta native. He was shot seven or eight times as he chased at least two men who had tried to steal his Jaguar as he put air in his tires at an Atlanta gas station, Lt. Keith Meadows said, according to the radio station.
According to ESPN, Forrest had a gun and confronted the men, police said.
“The victim and suspect became involved in a brief foot chase,” Meadows said. “At some point, gunfire was exchanged between the two of them. The victim was shot at least once in the head.”
Forrest was fatally wounded by two semi-automatic weapons, according to police.
“At this point we have a general description of at least two Black males driving a red Monte Carlo.” Meadows said, according to the report.
Mark Guilbeau, an investigator with the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office, said an autopsy is planned for Sunday.
Forrest, a native of Augusta, Ga., who lived in Atlanta, was a member of the 1992 Olympic team. He was also a former WBC super welterweight champion.
The 38-year-old took two wins over Sugar Shane Mosley in 2002. On Sept. 13, 2008, Forrest reclaimed his WBC 154-pound title by beating Sergio Mora.
