GracieMag.com has released the following statement in regards to the death of Ryan Gracie:

The world of MMA and its founding family suffered a tragic loss this Saturday morning. Ryan Gracie has passed on from causes not yet known while incarcerated in Sao Paulo. The Gracie, who is most known for his performances in PRIDE Fighting Championship, was being held for alleged car theft and attempting to steal a motorcycle armed with a kitchen knife. After failing to start the motorcycle and being restrained by companions of the motorcycle's owner, Ryan was detained by police. The cause of his death has not yet been determined, although the fact that toxicology exams were performed prior to his death suggests drugs are thought to be involved. GRACIEMAG.com sympathizes and sends its condolences out to Ryan's family, many of whom are in California for the World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship.