A day after she was badly injured in a treadmill accident, the 4-year-old daughter of Mike Tyson has died.
Multiple sources are reporting that Exodus Tyson was pronounced dead at 11:45 a.m. local time on Tuesday following a brief period on life support. The daughter of the former world boxing champion was injured on Monday at the family's home in Phoenix.
Tyson's daughter was discovered by her 7-year-old brother Monday with a cable from the machine wrapped around her neck. After the girl's mother took her off the cable and called authorities, she was transported to a local hospital. The 42-year-old Tyson traveled from Las Vegas to Phoenix on Monday to be with his daughter.
"We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and prayers from all over the world," Tyson said in a statement released to the media. "There are no words to describe the tragic loss of our beloved Exodus. We ask you now to please respect our need at this very difficult time for privacy to grieve and try to help each other heal."
Although the youngest world heavyweight champion in history retired from professional boxing in 2005, Tyson has been quite visible lately. Currently in theaters is "Tyson," a probing documentary that aims to explore the troubled sports legend. He also has a high-profile cameo in the upcoming comedy "The Hangover," due in theaters next month.
While speaking with MTV News recently about the films, Tyson opened up about his relationship with his children.
"I look forward to having some grandkids one day," he said. "And I'm really trying to work into re-creating my relationship, rebuilding my relationship with my children. [In the past I was so wrapped up in being] this Mike Tyson, 'Iron Mike,' heavyweight champion of the world or whatever I was, that I neglected my children and people I was in love with at one time. And I'm bearing the brunt of it right now. At this stage in my life, I'm starting to feel the pain and the effects from it, and I would like to rekindle that relationship."
A heartfelt Tyson also said that even if the allure of fame came on as strong as it once did, his love for Exodus had changed his priorities. "I would give all that [fame] up if it caused me losing what I have now: That little condo with my girlfriend and my daughter and having a relationship with the rest of my kids."
