The family of Rondel Clark, the late mixed martial arts athlete who was known for his bright smile, is creating a memorial foundation in his memory.
Clark's family has started a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $55,000 for the Rondel Clark Memorial Foundation.
After a bout in Plymouth last month, Clark died of injuries sustained during the fight.
The 26-year-old of Sutton collapsed from exhaustion during the third round of his second amateur MMA fight. A technical knockout was called and Clark was taken to the hospital. He was pronounced dead a few days later.
Clark's death is under investigation by the office of Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz.
"Rondel had an extremely keen sense of morals and values in which everyone could trust," his obituary read. "He touched many people's lives and would do anything for anyone."
The Rondel Clark Memorial Foundation plans to give a scholarship to a Westborough High School student who: Demonstrates exemplary leadership on and off the athletic field; is committed to a pursuit in the fine arts; and comes from a disadvantaged background.
"Wish It, Dream it, Do it," was Clark's mantra, the family wrote, and will live on through the foundation.
Clark was a Westborough High School graduate and star captain of the football team.
A group of Rondel's closest friends and family will serve as the selection committee for the foundation scholarship.
A one-time withdrawal will be made from the initial funds raised to assist Rondel's family in paying for medical expenses not covered by insurance, expenses for Rondel's memorial service, and to set up a rainy day fund for his four nephews and nieces, which will be used at the discretion of his mother, Arianne. All remaining funds will go toward the scholarship, the GoFundMe page reads.
As of Friday afternoon, $21,105 was raised.
Clark won his first MMA bout earlier this year by a technical knockout 25 seconds into the first round.
His family said he was "undoubtedly winning his second fight before collapsing."
"Rondel was not only an explosive and talented athlete, but pushed each and every one of his teammates to better themselves, regardless of who they were and what role they played on the team," the GoFundMe page reads. "He led by example, and was unwavering in holding others accountable to his extremely high standards and clear moral compass."