Barrington Patterson, best known for featuring in ’s Deadliest Men, has died from a heart attack aged 56.
His wife Tracey shared the news, writing: ‘At 6am this morning my beloved husband had a massive heart attack.’
She praised West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics, who ‘worked for over an hour to save him’, adding: ‘Unfortunately it wasn’t to be. Our hearts are broken.’
Patterson – nicknamed ‘One Eyed Baz’ after being blinded in one eye in a childhood accident – was a community activist who turned his life around to campaign against knife crime and raise awareness of homelessness.
grew up in a tough area of Handsworth, Birmingham and initially adopted a criminal lifestyle.
He then became a professional kickboxer, with a career of over 60 fights and notable opponents including current , and Dennis Alexio, before turning to mixed martial arts.
Patterson was first introduced to TV audiences through the 2006 Bravo documentary The Real Football Factories
In 2008, a full episode of EastEnders star Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men series was dedicated to him, as he ramped up to a final bout ahead of his MMA retirement.
He went on to pen a best-selling autobiography, as well as feature as himself in 2014 British crime film The Guvnors.
Birmingham City FC, who Patterson was a lifelong fan of, shared their condolences at the news of his death.
‘The Club are saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong Bluenose, Barrington Patterson.
‘All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. May you rest in peace, Baz.’
Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno also paid tribute, tweeting: ‘RIP Baz just heard that my long standing friend Baz -Barrington Patterson has passed away I am in shock. Thoughts with Tracy & family.’
Britain’s Got Talent competitor and songwriter Paul Manners remembered Barrington as ‘a breath of fresh air at charity events’ as he shared his ‘devastation’ at the news.
‘He always loved a good laugh. Miss you big man. Much love,’ he added.
In his final tweet, Patterson shared a video about his recent community work in schools on gangs and youth violence.
‘Bit of what I have been up to I hope that our work in the community will make a change,’ he wrote, alongside the hashtag .
