Unfortunately this is true, very sad news.
We still don’t have many details, but Helio Gracie passed away and his burial will be today around 5:00pm in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro.
From itgcrew on the UG.
UPDATE by Kid Nate: If you’re unfamiliar with Helio’s legacy and importance to the sport, be sure and read the post I wrote for his 95th birthday last year. Here’s a quote from Helio that sums up his bad-ass outlook on life:
Why fear death? I don’t need anything, I don’t have anything, I don’t want anything. I think it’s silly for somebody to be scared of dying. One should be afraid of being born. I have already told my children when I die I want a party, with no alcohol, no hell raising [general laughter]. But I want a party with music, food… I don’t know if you guys believe in reincarnation, but we all go and come back until the day we no longer have to return. My brother [Carlos Gracie, already deceased] used to say the fellow only stops returning to Earth when he mingles with the Whole. Even when you’re thinking just a little bit wrongly, you come back to continue evolving. Hell, my friends, is right here on Earth.