Police release 911 audio in boxer Tapia's death

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A 911 call made from Johnny Tapia's Albuquerque home reveals the moments when the boxing legend's family members realize he is beyond help.

Police released audio Tuesday in which Tapia's wife, Teresa, can be heard pleading for emergency dispatchers to send an ambulance.

Teresa Tapia initially says her husband as unconscious and not moving. Another woman, believed to be her sister, tells the operator Tapia appears "stiff'' and "purple.''

The operator tries to instruct them on CPR but Tapia's sister-in-law says, "He's gone.''

The 45-year-old Tapia, who had long suffered with public battles of cocaine addiction and depression, died Sunday. Still, he was a hero to many New Mexico boxing fans who gave him the slang Spanish title of "Burque's Best.''

An autopsy is pending.

A public memorial is planned.