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“Rip Mike” – Fans Reach Out in Support as Homage Pours In for Mike Perry’s “Brother” One Year After Demise

Published 03/24/2024, 8:04 AM EDT

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Ex-UFC fighter and current BKFC star Mike Perry recently shared a post in remembrance of an Orange County Deputy, who was also his friend. The Deputy, Michael Milmerstadt, tragically passed away in 2023, and ‘Platinum’ shared a message in his memory in a social media post, and fans joined Perry in prayer.

Michael Milmerstadt, a member of the OCSO SWAT team, suffered severe headaches while he was working out at a gym. Those headaches were later revealed to have been related to a brain injury that put him on life support. Milmerstadt’s family finally decided to bid him farewell, taking him off life support and donating his organs. Reports at the time said as many as eight lives could have been saved by Milmerstadt’s family’s sacrifice.

“We know he’s been fighting all week in the most important bout of his life. His departure leaves a painful void that can never be filled” the family said in their statement after his demise. A year later, Perry had an equally heartfelt message for his dear friend.

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“You motivate me everyday brother. I’m glad we have these memories together,” wrote Mike Perry. He further revealed that Milmerstadt had helped him in learning martial arts. Perry considered him not only his friend and brother but also a father figure and a person he looked up to.

“Thank you for everything you taught me in martial arts and in life as a friend , a father and a role model,” ‘Platinum’ added. The fans chimed into the comments section of Mike Perry’s post, joining hands with the BKFC star to pay homage to the fallen Orange County Deputy.

Fans join in as Mike Perry pays tribute to a deceased friend

The fans showed a lot of empathy for Mike Perry as he mourned his friend’s death. They even prayed for Michale Milmerstadt, with one fan claiming to have known the Orange County Deputy as someone who motivated him the most.

“Rip Mike”

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“Amen:

“RIP Mike. one of the most motivating men I’ve ever met. A real one through and through”

The fans also mentioned their love for Mike Perry for being real and showing so much love to someone who wasn’t even a family member of his. They prayed that ‘Platinum’ stayed strong as he remembered his deceased friend.

“I don’t know him but your rep him as if he was blood and I love that. Rip to him. Mike you a real one for always showing love.”

“May God grant you strength in these times brother”

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Moreover, some fans mentioned that Michael Milmerstadt would be proud of the things Mike Perry has accomplished in his MMA career. They also prayed that the memories of his late friend would always act as a good omen for the BKFC star.

“Deepest condolences brother [Mike Perry] keep knocking em down he sure is proud of you bubbah!!”

“may his memory continue to be a blessing”

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Michael Milmerstadt is survived by his wife and three children. There is no doubt that the decision for his family to say goodbye to him was hard, but the late deputy’s wife believed that it would be better if he could save others by donating his organs. We can only hope that Milmerstadt’s family and his friend Mike Perry stay strong as they remember and cherish their memories of him.

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Written by:

Himanga Mahanta

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Himanga Mahanta is a senior UFC writer at EssentiallySports. An all-rounder in his coverage of the sport, Himanga is a reliable voice with a knack for providing analytical coverage of breaking stories from the world of MMA. His 1700+ articles include perspective pieces on trending UFC stories, and both live and post-event coverage of weekly events.
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Edited by:

Yeswanth Praveen