Vernon Forrest Killed in Carjacking Attempt

Former world champ Vernon Forrest was shot and killed last night in Atlanta during an attempted carjacking. According to Atlanta police, Forrest had stopped at a gas station to put air in the tires of his Jaguar when at least two men with semi-automatic weapons attempted to take his vehicle. The young son of Forrest's girlfriend was in the car at the time. Forrest, who had a gun, reportedly confronted the men and "became involved in a brief foot chase. At some point, gunfire was exchanged between the two of them. The victim was shot at least once in the head". Forrest may have been shot as many as seven or eight times.

Currently there are no suspects, though police "have a general description of at least two black males driving a red Monte Carlo".

Forrest, 38, was a native of Augusta and lived in Atlanta. As an amateur, he was a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team. As a pro, Forrest compiled a record of 41-3 with one no contest and 29 KOs. His biggest wins were back-to-back unanimous decisions over then-undefeated Shane Mosley in 2002. Forrest's most recent bout was a unanimous decision over Sergio Mora on Sept. 13, 2008 in which he reclaimed the WBC light middleweight title.

Forrest was well-known for his good deeds outside the ring as well, working with kids, the underprivileged and the mentally challenged in the Atlanta area.

The death of Vernon Forrest comes shortly after the deaths of fellow boxing greats Alexis Arguello and Arturo Gatti in what has been a truly tragic month for the sweet science.