Olympic medal-winning boxer Darren Sutherland has been found dead at the age of 27.
Tributes pour in for Olympic medal-winning boxer
Irish boxer Darren Sutherland has been found dead at the age of 27.
Sutherland, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was discovered hanged at his flat in Bromley, south London by his promoter Frank Maloney.
"It is very sad and unexpected," Maloney said in a statement.
"At this sad time my thoughts are with Darren's family and I hope their privacy at this very difficult time will be respected by the media.
"It is a tragedy for Ireland and the world of boxing."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said Sutherland was pronounced dead at just after 3pm on Monday.
His death is not being treated as suspicious. His family have been informed.
Condolences
Irish Minster for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen offered condolences to Sutherland's family.
"The death of Darren is a great personal loss to them and to his many friends," the minister said.
"The tremendous effort and determination of this young man brought immense pride to Ireland in Beijing in 2008 when he joined a very select group of men who have won an Olympic medal for Ireland.
"It takes work, effort, desire and dedication to be a champion - qualities Darren had in abundance.
"Ireland has lost a sportsman of wonderful ability, a clever and popular man with a future of real potential.
"His early death deprives us of a magnificent talent."
Sutherland turned pro and joined the Maloney camp after his success at the Beijing Olympics last year.
He was one of the leading lights on the Irish boxing scene in the four years before the games and regarded as one of the best talents coached under the Irish Sports Council's high performance unit.
