Police are investigating a gun death in Springfield, Ore., allegedly involving UFC veteran Gerald Strebendt, according to a report from The Register-Guard.
David Paul Crofut was fatally shot Wednesday evening, shortly after his vehicle collided with Strebendt’s truck, The Register-Guard reported early Friday morning. Strebendt has not been charged in the case, according to the report, which indicated that police are investigating the possibility that Crofut was shot in a legal act of self-defense.
According to the report, Strebendt was among those who called 911 to report the shooting shortly before 8 p.m., after which officers arrived on scene and found Crofut dead. A firearm allegedly belonging to Strebendt was the only weapon taken from the scene, The Register-Guard reported.
A former Marine, Strebendt began his pro MMA career in 2001 and posted a 6-2 record before making his lone Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance opposite Josh Thomson at UFC 44. Following that 2003 defeat, “The Finishing Machine” would go 3-4 in his next seven outings, last competing in January 2008. Outside the cage, Strebendt owns and operates Northwest Training Center in Springfield, Ore.