UFC Hall of Famer ‘Battling for His Life’ After Saving Parents From House Fire
Former UFC champion Mark Coleman, 59, is reportedly “battling for his life” after saving his parents from a devastating house fire. Coleman’s daughter, Morgan, confirmed the news on her Instagram account Tuesday.
“As many know, our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, Hammer,” Morgan reported. “He managed to carry both of his parents out of the house, but despite his best efforts was not able to save Hammer.
According to WTOL 11, seven separate fire departments responded to a call around 4 a.m. Tuesday in Fremont, OH. When they arrived, they found Mark’s parents outside the home. Moments later, the roof of the home collapsed. It’s believed that the fire began in the kitchen, though it’s unclear what the exact cause of the inferno was. The house is thought to be “a total loss.”
Morgan explained that her father “was life-flighted to the hospital, where he is currently battling for his life after this heroic act.”
She continued: “Our father has always been our hero and means the world to us. He is and always will be a fighter. The strongest and bravest man I know. Please continue to pray for him and our family during this extremely difficult time. We will miss our sweet Hammer so deeply.”
Mark was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008. His career, which stretched from 1996 until 2010, saw him win multiple UFC championships. He won both UFC 10 and UFC 11 before becoming the first heavyweight champion at UFC 12.
In 2020, Mark suffered a heart attack. The following year, he entered rehab for alcohol dependency. In the ensuing years, he’s devoted himself to promoting healthy living on social media.
Morgan’s sister, Kenzie, commented on her sister’s statement honoring both her father and their family pet. “Thank you everyone for your words. I will miss my baby boy Hammer every single day,” she said. “There hasn’t been a second where he isn’t on my mind. My heart is completely shattered. Please keep praying for my daddy.”
Author and MMA expert Jonathan Snowden also posted to X (formerly Twitter) with news of Mark’s hospitalization. “If anyone can beat back death itself, it’s Mark,” Snowden asserted. “We were close to doing a book and it would have been a fascinating ride. A big, badass life,” he said of the UFC star.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more information.
Mark Coleman saved both his parents from a raging house fire, then went back in for the dog. He had to be lifeflighted to the hospital.
If anyone can beat back death itself, it’s Mark.
We were close to doing a book and it would have been a fascinating ride. A big, badass life. pic.twitter.com/Ll7ILAP995
— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) March 12, 2024
