USA National Judo Team Member Jack Hatton Dies at the Age of 24
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USA National Judo Team Member Jack Hatton, who was in line for the 2020 Olympics suffered an “unexpected” death at just 24. Hatton was an 81 kg judoka, who reached the second round at the World Championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and was hoping to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. He has two Pan American Open events to his name, both of which he has won in 2017.
The USA national team offered their condolences to him through a statement on their website.
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“It is with extremely heavy hearts that USA Judo announces the unexpected passing of USA Judo national team member, Jack Hatton,” the statement read. We extend our sincere condolences to the Hatton Family, and Jack’s teammates, coaches and friends. Jack was one of America’s top judo players and was a multi-time medalist for USA Judo in various competitions across the globe. Jack made an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and he will not be forgotten. We grieve with the entire USA Judo and international judo community during this tough time. USA Judo is in the process of providing grief counseling services for those in need and will share information on services for Jack as they become available.”
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The president of International Judo Federation Marius Vizer tweeted in response to his sudden death.
I’m deeply moved by the sudden death of @USAJudo international Jack Hatton. On behalf of @Judo I send my sincere condolences and wishes to USA Judo and Jack’s family and friends.
— Marius Vizer (@MariusVizer) September 25, 2019
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Pedro’s Judo Center, the place where Hutton has been training since 2015, paid their condolences with a Facebook post which read: “It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the untimely passing of one of our students, teammates, brothers, and friends, Jack Hatton. Jack has been a member of Pedro’s Judo Center since 2015 and pursuing his dream of becoming a member of the 2020 Olympic Team. Along with being a top US Judo athlete, Jack was kind-hearted, caring and an all-around great person. He was a true role model for students at our dojo and judoka all over the country. He will be deeply missed by all of us at Pedro’s Judo Center and the rest of the judo world.”