Chacon, nicknamed "Schoolboy" because he turned pro while studying at Cal State Northridge, endured horrible personal tragedies both during and after his career. His wife, Valerie, killed herself in March 1982, but he elected to fight the next day, stopping Salvador Ugalde in the third round. His son, Bobby Jr., was killed in 1991 in a shooting attributed to gang violence. After his career ended in June 1988, Chacon's memory, health, and fortunes all faded. He showed numerous signs of pugilistic dementia and struggled with substance abuse, but he still occasionally made public appearances at local boxing cards. Officials say he died with his family present at his bedside.
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