Boxer Sebastian Eubank, 29, died from a ‘massive heart attack’ while ‘watching the sunset’ in the sea in Dubai after enjoying his favourite meal, coroner confirms – as heartbroken father Chris says he is ‘devastated’
- Sebastian Eubank, 29, was a boxer like his legendary father and won his two professional bouts
- He was the third eldest of Chris’s five children and became a father for the first time last month
- He grew up in Hove before moving to the US as a teenager and later to Dubai with his wife Salma
- Chris said he was ‘devastated’ as he paid tribute to the ‘deep thinker’ who was ‘loved and respected by all’
Chris Eubank’s son Sebastian who drowned near his Dubai home just a month after becoming a father for the first time aged just 29 died after suffering a ‘massive heart attack whilst in the sea’.
In a tribute to her husband tonight, Sebastian’s heartbroken widow Salma Abdelati described how the boxer’s son ‘died after having one of his favourite meals with one of his closest friends’ and said ‘there was evidence of a pre-existing heart condition we were all unaware of’.
She said: ‘Dubai Police and the Coroner have confirmed that after a full post mortem Sebastian Eubank tragically died from a massive heart attack whilst in the sea and probably could not have been saved even if out of the water. There was evidence of a pre-existing heart condition we were all unaware of.
‘While still very painful it is of some comfort that Sebastian died after having one of his favourite meals with one of his closest friends whilst doing his favourite thing at his favourite place in Dubai where he often went to swim. He was standing in the water close to shore watching the sunset at Cove Beach in Dubai.
‘I am grateful that he was able to spend a few short and happy weeks with his son before his death.
‘I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Dubai Coroner for conducting a swift and thorough investigation and to Dubai Police and in particular the Victim Support Department for their help and support at this difficult time.’
It comes after a heartbroken Chris Eubank said he was ‘devastated’ at the loss of his son Sebastian.
Sebastian, the third-oldest of Eubank’s five children, was just a week short of his 30th birthday. He was a boxer like his father, fighting in light-heavyweight bouts, and also made his MMA debut last year.
The father-of-one was found dead on a beach in the UAE where he lived with wife Salma and son Raheem.
He went by the name of the Alka Lion and fought in two professional fights, winning both.
Chris Eubank tonight paid tribute to the ‘deep thinker who liked to challenge accepted wisdom’ and was ‘loved and respected by all’.
The former boxer said: ‘Never did I ever imagine I would write these words or experience the feeling I now have at the loss of my son. My family and I are devastated to hear of the death of Sebastian just days before what would have been his 30th birthday.
‘He leaves his wife Salma, his son Raheem born just a month ago, his mother Karron Meadows, brothers Nathanael, Chris, Jr, Joseph, one sister Emily and countless relatives and friends.
‘Sebastian grew up in Hove in England but in the last few years made his life in Dubai where he had a wide circle of friends and was a leader in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and of alternative therapies.
Chris Eubank’s son Sebastian has died in Dubai aged just 29, just days before his 30th birthday and a month after becoming a father
Sebastian (far left), the third oldest of Eubank’s five children, was a boxer like his father and fought in light-heavyweight bouts. From left to right: Sebastian, Chris Snr, Chris Sr, Nathanael
Sebastian leaves behind his wife Salma (pictured together) and his son Raheem born just a month ago
The father-of-one, who moved to Dubai where he lived with wife Salma and son Raheem, went by the name of the Alka Lion and fought in two professional fights, winning both
Chris Eubank posing with his son Sebastian in the early 1990s when the boy was a toddler. Eubank snr spoke of his devastation tonight as Sebastian was found dead in Dubai
A number of stars in the boxing and sporting world have paid tribute to Sebastian since his death was announced on Friday
The boxing legend added: ‘As well as being a personal trainer and professional boxer, Sebastian was also a deep thinker who liked to challenge accepted wisdom.
‘He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be forever in the thoughts of friends and family. As a family we now kindly ask to be given space and privacy to celebrate his life and remember the son, the brother, the husband, the friend.’
Sebastian’s mother Karron said: ‘Our whole family is grieving at the huge loss of our son and brother, Sebastian. Please respect our grief and privacy while we try to comprehend our loss.’
Tributes have poured in from across boxing and sport as many offered their condolences to the Eubank family.
Sebastian’s brother, Chris Eubank Jr, posted his own tribute on social media. The 31-year-old said: ‘Rest easy little brother. I love you & you will be missed always.’
Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: ‘So saddened by the news of the passing of Seb Eubank. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.’
Tony Bellew said: ‘Thinking of all the Eubank family at this time… Thoughts and Prayers are with them all.’
‘How sad… thinking of all the family and friends of the Eubank family on their loss. #RipSebastianEubank,’ Robbie Fowler posted.
Eubank beat Polish fighter Kamil Kulczyk on his debut in February 2018 on the undercard of his older brother Chris Jr’s clash with George Groves.
Sebastian was the fourth member of the famous fighting family to enter the paid ranks of boxing – following Chris Jr, cousin Harlem and half-brother Nathanael Wilson.
Sebastian was one of four children born from Eubank’s first marriage to Karron, while his eldest son Nathanial was born from a previous relationship.
As teenagers, Sebastian and Chris Jr were the subject of a custody row after they were sent to the US to live with a guardian named Irene Hutton.
Sebastian was the fourth member of the famous fighting family to enter the paid ranks of boxing – following Chris Jr, cousin Harlem and half-brother Nathanael Wilson
Sebastian (pictured with his father) was one of four children born from Eubank’s first marriage to Karron, while his eldest son Nathanial was born from a previous relationship
Sebastian (left, alongside his father and Chris Jr) was the fourth member of the famous fighting family to enter the paid ranks of boxing
The light heavyweight pro is seen practising with his father in a video shared on his Instagram page in 2019
Chris Sr said: ‘As well as being a personal trainer and professional boxer, Sebastian was also a deep thinker who liked to challenge accepted wisdom’
Father Chris Snr said Sebastian was a ‘deep thinker’ who was interested in alternative therapies and leading a healthy lifestyle
The move was intended to give them dual citizenship to enhance their future sporting careers.
But after the arrangement was leaked, Karron, who divorced Chris in 2005, fought for them to return to the UK, which Miss Hutton said ‘wrecked her life’.
Miss Hutton met Eubank Snr in a Paris hotel in January 2006 where they struck up a friendship and later agreed the two boys would move in with her in Las Vegas.
In November that year Eubank and his ex-wife Karron signed legal papers handing over guardianship of the boys. They stipulated that it be kept secret.
As teenagers, Sebastian and Chris Jr were the subject of a custody row after they were sent to the US to live with a guardian named Irene Hutton
Sebastian’s mother Karron Meadows said: ‘Our whole family is grieving at the huge loss of our son and brother, Sebastian. Please respect our grief and privacy while we try to comprehend our loss’
But after two years, the situation unravelled when Miss Hutton spoke out about the Eubanks’ apparent lack of concern for their sons.
She claimed the boys had started to misbehave and said the Eubanks did not send her enough money to look after them.
The brothers then flew back to the UK where they remained, but Miss Hutton claims they were ‘snatched’ from her.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Dubai. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’
Flamboyant, controversial – and one of the biggest draws in the sport: How Chris Eubank senior started a boxing dynasty with three sons following him into the ring
Chris Eubank Snr was one of the best boxers in British history, reigning as world champion for more than five years between 1990 and 1995.
The fighter held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles and was undefeated in his first ten years as a professional.
His popularity was boosted by his eccentric personality, and he was often seen wearing a monocle and other unusual fashion choices.
Chris Eubank Snr was one of the best boxers in British history, reigning as world champion for more than five years between 1990 and 1995
His stunning career ended with a record of 45 wins out of 52 fights, 23 of which by knockout, five losses and two draws.
His pugilistic skills were passed on to his children, three of which have followed him into the ring, as well as a nephew.
Chris Snr’s eldest son Nathanael Wilson, who was born to a girlfriend before his first wife, has fought 11 professional bouts in the welterweight division.
The boxer, who goes by Banks, boasts a record of eight wins and a draw out of 11 fights so far.
The most successful of the Eubank progeny in the ring is Chris Jr (pictured), holding the WBA interim middleweight title since 2019
The most successful of the Eubank progeny in the ring is Chris Jr, holding the WBA interim middleweight title since 2019.
Chris Jr has won 30 of his 32 fights, 22 by knockout, with his two losses coming against George Groves and Billy Joe Saunders.
Sebastian was the third child to become a professional boxer and boasts a 100 per cent record from his two fights.
Cousin Harlem Eubank has also followed the family profession and remains unbeaten in his 11 fights in the super light division.
The tragedies that have marred Chris Eubank’s life: Sporting icon killed man in car crash at the height of his career – which will forever be remembered for near-fatal bout with Michael Watson
Despite his fame and popularity, Chris Eubank Sr has endured a number of tragedies throughout his life to date.
The boxer, now 54, was one of the most recognisable personalities in British sport in the 1990s.
At the height of his fame in 1991, he held a rematch with fellow Briton Michael Watson after winning the first bout on a narrow points decision.
In the 11th round of the infamous fight, Watson was leading and on the verge of victory until Eubank landed a devastating uppercut which caused his opponent to crash back into the ropes.
Chris Eubank celebrates his victory against Michael Watson which left his opponent partially disabled and put him in a coma
The fight continued but it was stopped by the referee in the 12th round and Watson collapsed in the ring.
Watson suffered severe brain damage and there were no paramedics or doctors present, meaning it took half an hour for him to receive treatment.
In hospital, he had five life-saving operations and spent months in intensive care after a 40-day coma.
He could not walk, talk or hear for months and still requires a carer after spending six years in a wheelchair.
The following year, Eubank had a similarly traumatic experience when he killed building site worker Kevin Lawlor in a car crash.
The boxer’s Range Rover’s careened out of control and crashed into the building site in Brighton.
Eubank was convicted of driving without due care and attention and was fined £250 plus £1,450 costs.
In another tragic episode, the sporting icon failed in his bid to talk a suicidal man out of jumping from a motorway bridge in 2015.
Eubank has also suffered family troubles, divorcing his wife in 2005, before the latest shocking incident with the death of his middle child.
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