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The Tragic Death of Alex Robinson: A Cautionary Tale About Imitating MMA Moves
The mother of a young Adelaide tradie, whose life was tragically cut short, has bravely shared the haunting phone call that changed her life forever. In May 2023, Alex "Robbo" Robinson, a 20-year-old refrigerator mechanic, traveled to Melbourne with three close friends for a boys' trip that was supposed to be filled with fun and memories. Little did anyone know, it would be the last trip of his life.
Robbo, who had been working in Melbourne for the past three weeks, met up with friends Quinn McPherson, 19, and two others just days before the trip. The group had been close since meeting at Seaview High School, with shared interests in UFC, MMA, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The group regularly got together to watch UFC fights and engage in wrestling and grappling during their downtime. Unfortunately, their passion for mixed martial arts would play a tragic role in the events that unfolded on May 14, 2023.
The group’s trip to Melbourne began as any typical boys' weekend. After an afternoon of drinking and attending an AFL match, they returned to their apartment in Melbourne’s CBD, where they continued to party. They purchased vodka and cocaine, sharing them throughout the night. The crew headed to the iconic Prahran nightclub, Revolver Upstairs, before heading back to the apartment in the early hours of the morning. The drinking and partying continued until 8:00 AM, when things took a deadly turn.
It was at this time McPherson, who had been taking part in mixed martial arts training, began "play fighting" with Robbo. The group was on a video call with friends from Adelaide and Queensland, where McPherson jokingly told them that he was about to punch Robbo and later claimed that Robbo had been "put to sleep three times in a row." McPherson had placed Robbo in a chokehold, which, tragically, would end his life.
Moments later, McPherson rushed into the living room and called for help. Robbo, limp and with blue lips, was lying on the bed. Despite desperate attempts from both friends and paramedics to resuscitate him, Robbo was declared dead at 10:23 AM.
The court proceedings revealed that McPherson, who was arrested and charged with manslaughter, initially downplayed the events, claiming the incident was just "play fighting" and that he never intended to hurt Robbo. While McPherson’s actions were deemed "dangerous," the court could not determine the exact cause of Robbo’s death, despite an autopsy.
The emotional impact of Robbo's death was deeply felt by his family, particularly his mother, Natalie Elliott. As an ambulance officer, she was well aware of the devastating implications of receiving a call stating that her son was under CPR. In her victim impact statement, she spoke about how proud she was of Robbo, describing him as a "fun-loving, kind-hearted, and sensitive" young man. She expressed the pain of knowing that her son, with so much life ahead of him, was taken so suddenly and tragically. The unknowns surrounding his final moments continue to haunt her.
McPherson's legal team emphasized that while his conduct was unquestionably dangerous, he was not accused of causing Robbo's death. The defense noted the tragic irony of the case, urging the public, especially young men, to reflect on the dangers of imitating MMA moves, which have become increasingly popular due to the rise of UFC and mixed martial arts on screens and social media.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the real-world consequences of imitating dangerous fighting moves, especially when intoxicated. While UFC and MMA are popular sports that promote strength and discipline, it is important to recognize the fine line between play and peril. The death of Robbo underscores the need for responsibility, caution, and respect in all activities, especially those involving physical contact.
As the court deliberates the appropriate sentence, the message is clear: dangerous behavior, no matter how innocent it may seem in the moment, can have devastating consequences.