LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Nevada State Athletic Commission has unanimously passed an emergency regulation that was prompted after the death of 20-year-old UNLV student Nathan Valencia.
The regulation would give the commission oversight for events such as the fraternity charity boxing match that Valencia took part in before he died. The regulation would add certain requirements to amateur contests or unarmed combat. Since 1985, the commission has not had oversight of those events.
Valencia took part in the Nov. 19 boxing event which was held by the Kappa Sigma Fraternity to raise money for charity. He collapsed after his fight and died four days later.
The I-Team first broke this story and learned there was no medical help at the boxing match and there was no professional referee. A video showed the referee appeared to be drinking alcohol at the event. Others at the boxing match told the I-Team, it was chaotic.
Even though commissioners have referred to the regulation as “Nathan’s Law” it is only an emergency regulation and must be signed by Governor Steve Sisolak. lf he does sign it, it will be in effect for 120 days.
“It will be up to future legislators to determine whether they wish to make additional statutory changes,” Commission Chairman Stephen Cloobeck said at the meeting.
The athletic commission is investigating the boxing event.
Metro police reiterated once again, that although the death is tragic, it is not criminal. Metro released this latest statement after the commission’s vote.
The definition of homicide is an act of a human killing another person. Detectives look at the facts surrounding the specific event that caused the death of the person and determine if there is any criminality. Although Mr. Valencia’s death is tragic, the circumstances surrounding his death are not criminal and no charges will be filed.
Las Vegas Meropolitan Police Dept.
