MMA fighter Ivan 'JP' Cole shot dead in Dallas during 'gun play'

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Ivan JP ColeImage source, Handout

Former Bellator MMA fighter Ivan Cole has died, with reports suggesting he was shot while playing Russian Roulette.

Dallas Police have confirmed that the 25-year-old was found dead on Saturday morning.

A fundraising website, external, apparently set up by his wife Kymberli Cole, says her husband died while involved in "gun play".

"He made a bad decision that cost him his life," she writes.

Local news station CBS DWF reports on its Facebook page, external: "Mixed Martial Arts fighter Ivan 'JP' Cole killed himself while reportedly playing roulette with gun in Dallas apartment.

"CBS 11 has reached out to the Dallas Police Dept for further details and has a crew heading to the scene."

Dallas Police continue to investigate the events surrounding the fighter's death.

"The death of Mr Cole will be classified as an unexplained death pending the results of the autopsy," they've written in a statement on their website, external.

Ivan JP and Kymberli ColeImage source, Kymberli Cole

Mr Cole last participated in Bellator 135 in March 2015 losing to George Pacurariu in the first round via submission.

He leaves behind his wife and a four-year-old daughter.

The world of MMA has said goodbye to a number of key figures in 2016.

Last week Kimbo Slice died at the age of 42, while former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman died "unexpectedly" in February, aged 44.

In May, Jordan Parsons died after being hit by car in Florida. He was 25.

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