Some sad news in the world of mixed martial arts, as UFC veteran Corey Hill is dead at the age of 36.
Hill’s manager, Patrick Reynolds, confirmed Hill died Friday at Tampa General Hospital in Florida after the fighter suffered a collapsed lung and heart attack following complications stemming from a respiratory illness.
“Corey was a loving husband and devoted father,” Hill’s wife Lauren told TMZ. “He was such a strong role model for our children, and would do anything to keep them safe and happy and healthy.”
The UFC released the following statement after the news was confirmed by family:
“The UFC family mourns the tragic loss of Corey Hill, who passed away on May 15 due to complications from pneumonia at the age of 36. Fans will remember Corey for his time as a lightweight competitor who fought multiple times for the organization in 2008 and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter season 5. UFC sends its condolences to the family and friends of Corey Hill.”
Hill finished his MMA career with a 6-9 record and is perhaps best known for gruesomely breaking his leg during a fight in 2008. However, that’s not what he’ll be remembered for by those who knew him.
“He was just a lovely guy,” Hill’s former coach, UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich, told UFC.com. “He was intense when he had to be, he always had a smile when I’d see him, and he was the kind of guy – and this is not because he passed away or because I liked him so much – who literally lit up any room that he was in. He was a ball of energy and I loved seeing his face and seeing him smile.”
Hill is survived by his wife and three children.
