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Fight promoter Jimmy Binns Jr.'s death ruled a suicide

Jimmy Binns Jr., 37, a mixed-martial-arts promoter in Las Vegas and son of prominent Philadelphia lawyer James J. Binns Sr., killed himself in a leap from a parking garage Jan. 15, according to the Clark County, Nevada coroner's office.

Fight promoter Jimmy Binns Jr. (left) with boxer Kevin “Thunderstorm” Johnson.
Fight promoter Jimmy Binns Jr. (left) with boxer Kevin “Thunderstorm” Johnson.Read moreFACEBOOK

Jimmy Binns Jr., 37, a mixed-martial-arts promoter in Las Vegas and son of prominent Philadelphia lawyer James J. Binns Sr., killed himself in a leap from a parking garage Jan. 15, according to the Clark County, Nevada coroner's office.

A representative of the Clark County Coroner's office said Mr. Binns Jr. jumped off the parking garage at South Point Casino Hotel.

He died at the scene at 10:15 a.m. of blunt force injuries. The representative said the coroner's office has ruled the death a suicide. The representative declined to say if he left a note.

Mr. Binns' father had indicated Monday that his son had died in a fall at home. His father could not be reached by phone Tuesday.

Mr. Binns was owner of Fight Capital Gym in Las Vegas, where he managed boxers and mixed-martial-arts fighters. On his Facebook page, he was often seen congratulating his fighters on wins, and urging them on to the next level of competition.

"Congratulations to Fight Capital fighter Kevin Thunderstorm Johnson on winning his pro debut in impressive fashion! Sky is the limit for you, my man!" Mr. Binns posted on Dec. 16.

Mr. Binns grew up in South Philadelphia. He attended St. Aloysius Academy in Bryn Mawr and graduated from Roman Catholic High School. He did not attend college.

Five years ago, he married Fatima Hidalgo, and the couple lived in the Northern Liberties section of the city before moving to Las Vegas. They have three children and a fourth is expected in May.

The elder Binns is a prominent lawyer and advocate for the Philadelphia police force. He went so far as to enroll in the Police Academy, take the courses that fledgling officers take, and graduate three years ago.

"Big Dog's graduation from the police academy! Absolutely amazing accomplishment!" the younger Mr. Binns posted on Facebook Jan. 1, 2014, as his father received his diploma.

Binns Sr. declined to comment Monday about his son, other than to say he expects to bring his son's widow and her children back to Philadelphia and help raise the little ones.

"This was a tough one, I can tell you," Binns Sr. said.

Besides his father and wife, Mr. Binns is survived by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Binns; children Sammy, Jimito and Danny; and a sister, Amy.

A visitation starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, will be followed by a noon memorial service at St. Monica Roman Catholic Church, 2422 S. 17th St, Philadelphia.

Donations in Mr. Binns' memory may be made to the Hero Thrill Show through www.herothrillshow.org.

bcook@phillynews.com

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