Authorities have opened a homicide investigation, but as of May 13, 2026, no arrests have been announced and no official motive has been disclosed.

Before his final fight, Gómez carried an unbeaten professional record of 6-0 with five knockouts. After losing a competitive eight-round decision to fellow Colombian Leider Galvis, his record stood at 6-1. Including that bout, it was the seventh confirmed professional fight on his official ledger, though some early reports mistakenly referred to it as his eighth contest.

Training under veteran coach Miguel Ángel Guzmán—known in boxing circles as “El Ñato”, for nearly eight years, Gómez was described as a “prodigy” and a “tremendous fighter.” His team hoped to guide him to at least 12 professional bouts, a milestone they believed would strengthen his chances of obtaining a visa to compete in the United States.

Outside the ring, he was the father of a two-year-old daughter and occasionally worked as a mototaxi driver to support his family between fights.

On Saturday, May 9th, Gómez headlined a card promoted by Colombian boxing promoter Alberto Agámez at the Cuadrilátero Gym in Barranquilla. The event formed part of the World Boxing Association’s “WBA Future Champions Colombia” series.

In the opposite corner stood Leider Galvis, an aggressive and determined challenger who handed Gómez the first defeat of his professional career.

The eight-round contest was widely praised as one of the most exciting fights in recent Colombian boxing. Gómez boxed sharply behind his jab and counterpunches, while Galvis applied relentless pressure and punished the body. After eight closely contested rounds, the judges awarded Galvis a unanimous decision.

Although members of Gómez’s team disputed the scoring, there was immediate discussion of a rematch. Those plans would never materialize.

Timeline of His Final Days

Saturday, May 9th

Gómez loses a hard-fought decision to Leider Galvis.

Coach Miguel Guzmán drives him home to the Carrizal neighborhood in southern Barranquilla.

Sunday, May 10th (Mother’s Day in Colombia)

Gómez spends time with his mother and his young daughter.

Later that day, he leaves home and does not say where he is going.

His phone is eventually switched off.

Monday, May 11th

Fishermen discover human remains floating in the Magdalena River near the rural community of Cabica in Soledad.

Tuesday, May 12th

Gómez’s mother identifies the remains at the National Institute of Legal Medicine using distinctive tattoos, including a snake on his torso and a heart on his chest.

Colombian authorities formally classify the case as a homicide.

The remains recovered from the river were incomplete, with authorities continuing to search the area for additional body parts and evidence. The brutal nature of the killing has shocked Colombia and sent waves of grief throughout the boxing world.

According to family members and his trainer, Gómez had never mentioned receiving threats or having enemies. Investigators from the Colombian Attorney General’s Office and the Barranquilla Metropolitan Police are reconstructing his final movements and examining all possible motives, but officials have emphasized that there is currently no verified connection between his murder and his boxing career.

To those who knew him, Yeiner Gómez was far more than a prospect with knockout power. He was a hardworking young father trying to create a better future through boxing.

His coach, Miguel Guzmán, said Gómez was completely focused on training and family life. Gymmates described him as humble, respectful, and intensely committed to his craft.

What should have been a temporary setback—a narrow defeat and the first blemish on his record—became the final chapter of a life filled with ambition and promise.

Yeiner Andrés Gómez Sandoval

Professional Record: 6-1-1, 5Ko’s

Division: Super Bantamweight

Final Opponent: Leider Galvis

Last Fight Date: May 9th, 2026

Trainer: Miguel Ángel “El Ñato” Guzmán

The death of Yeiner Andrés Gómez Sandoval is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile the lives of young fighters can be outside the ropes. In the ring, he was building momentum and chasing international opportunities. Beyond the ring, he was a son, a father, and a young man striving to lift his family through sport.

His story has left the Colombian boxing community stunned and searching for answers.

As investigators work to determine who was responsible and why, Yeiner Gómez will be remembered not for the horrific circumstances of his death, but for the dedication, courage, and promise he brought to every step of his boxing journey.