Today it is exactly one year since Andy Hug died at the Nippon Hospital in Japan.

As I also have written on my Andy homepage, there are precious few heroes in this world, and we were privileged to come to know a very special one in our beloved Andy. He was only a few weeks short of his 36th birthday, when he suddenly died.

Andy Hug will be sorely missed by many, not only in the martial arts community. My deepest condolence is offered to Andy Hug's family and friends.

According to Japanese TV, Andy's heart stopped three times, but somehow the doctors managed to get his pulse back again. But the fourth time Andy's heart stopped, the doctors no longer tried to bring Andy back to life, and let Andy sleep peacefully into the death - and the fight ended when the doctors stopped.

Andy was a fighter, and he fought until the last. Even do Andy Hug was very sick, he took the time to write this letter to his fans the 22nd of August 2000, only two days before he past away:

Dear Fans

I think that you will be shocked when you will hear in what state of health I am. When the doctor told me about it, it was an enormous shock even for myself. But I want to inform you about my state of health so that I can fight together with you against this illness. This illness is the most severe opponent of all my fights. But I will win. As if I would stand in the ring I will get power from your cheers and beat this strong opponent. Unfortunately I will not be able to fight at the tournament in October. I will fight against this illness in Japan and one day I will appear again with you. Let's keep it up!

Greetings
Andy Hug


The fans will keep it up Andy, you are now gone, but not forgotten!
Respect & love from a fan in Denmark.