The tragic discovery of a musician and ex-MMA fighter's body unfolded hours after his two young children were miraculously rescued from the depths of a Texas lake. On Sunday, August 24th, authorities retrieved the deceased man's body from Eagle Mountain Lake, positively identifying him as Jimmy Chaikong, aged 50. This harrowing find occurred in the very vicinity where he was last witnessed, as reported by CBS News and ABC affiliate WFAA. An investigation into the incident is still underway.
"He was a beacon of unwavering determination, consistency, and positivity," reminisced his cherished friend Ryan Reynolds to CBS News. "I am deeply honored to have called him my friend, to have shared a fraction of our lives with him, and to have been part of his world." Reynolds further emphasized that Chaikong's greatest pride and joy lay in his children, both under the age of 12. "His every endeavor revolved around them," he disclosed to the outlet.
On the preceding day, August 23rd, at 5 PM local time, the Tarrant Regional Water District received a distress call regarding two children screaming for help in the water, according to WFAA. Fortunately, a nearby boater swiftly rescued the children and summoned assistance. Upon the arrival of emergency responders, it transpired that the kids had been aboard a small watercraft with their father. An exhaustive search ensued, ultimately uncovering an abandoned sailboat, as reported by WFAA. Chaikong's body was subsequently found the following day.
The Tarrant Regional Water District did not promptly respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
Chaikong's final fight took place in November 2010 against Mike Rio, according to ESPN. Post his MMA career, he redirected his focus towards his family and music, eventually becoming the managing director of the Texas State Songwriters Championship and founding his eponymous entertainment company, as detailed on his Facebook page.
"He cherished genuine friendships and the simple pleasures in life," shared Cynthia Anderson, a co-owner of the association, with WFAA. "Making his children laugh every day was his ultimate achievement." Uncle Ryano, a friend from the music industry, described Chaikong as both a "fighter" and a "dreamer," but above all, a devoted father.
"Those are innocent babies, powerless in such a situation," Uncle Ryano told WFAA, referring to Chaikong's children. "Their dad was their hero."
