source: Mark Vester | boxingscene.com

In quite a tragic story, Miguel Cotto Sr., father of two-division champion Miguel Cotto and junior welterweight contender Jose Miguel Cotto, passed away after suffering a heart attack while driving his car in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Cotto felt ill while driving, he stopped his car and asked a clerk, Douglas Melendez, who worked at a local liquor store to call an ambulance. Cotto died not long after.

"He stopped [his car] and asked me to call an ambulance. I went and I called," Melendez told Primera Hora.

Melendez complained that he called 911 at least four times before help arrived. He called at 2:04 pm, 2:14 pm, 2:15 pm and 2:53 p.m. The last call was to report the death of Cotto. Both Cotto childred arrived at the scene once the news hit.

Evangelista Cotto, the brother of Cotto Sr., was barely able to speak when he gave his thoughts on the death of his brother. The two of them had not spoken in months after Evangelista and Miguel Cotto Jr. had their explosive blow-up at the start of 2009. Evangelista and Cotto Jr. traded words over a dispute on how the training camp would run for June's Joshua Clottey defense. It led to a physical brawl that sent Evangelista to the hospital and Miguel Jr. hired a new trainer. Evangelista later filed a lawsuit against the younger Cotto. Cotto Sr. took the side of his son.

Evangelista regrets never patching things up with Cotto Sr.

"It is unfortunate that we never sat down to talk and fix things. These are things that one has no control over. This is very sad. ... It's an incredible pain and suffering for me," said Evangelista to Primera Hora.

Felix Trinidad Sr., father and trainer of three-division champion Felix "Tito" Trinidad, took some time to talk about Cotto Sr.

"This news saddens me very much. What a way to start the year," said Trinidad. "I know the Cotto family for many years and although we did not share much, I know he was a good man. My condolences to Miguel Cotto, his wife and whole family."

Miguel Cotto Comments on The Death of His Father

During the day, we received the news of the sudden and unexpected death of Don Miguel Cotto Sr., father of former world champion, Miguel Cotto, Jr.

The event has taken everyone by surprise, including the Cotto family and the followers of boxing. The following statement has been released to the press in general, requesting adequate time to process and channel the terrible loss. In a statement below:

"We appreciate all of the tokens of affection and sympathy. It is a very painful moment for me and for my entire family. I hope that everyone respect our request for space to overcome this difficult moment" Miguel Cotto, Jr.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later. There will be a mass for Cotto Sr. in his neighborhood of Canaboncito in Caguas, Puerto Rico and later he will be cremated.

RIP Miguel Cotto Sr.

An interview with Miguel Cotto, Sr. during the Pacquiao vs Cotto Press Conference

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