Former UFC Champion Mark Coleman (59) is in critical condition after rescuing his elderly parents from a burning home early Tuesday morning (March 12).
Coleman’s daughter Morgan, shared on Instagram:
“As many know, our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, hammer. He managed to get both of his parents out of the house but despite his best efforts was not able to save hammer. He was life-flighted to the hospital where he is currently battling for his life after this heroic act.”
Hammer, the family dog who woke Coleman and alerted him to the blaze around 4:00am, perished in the fire.
Morgan reflects that her father “is and always will be a fighter” and asks for continued prayers for Mark and their family.
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Coleman’s parents were not injured, but the former UFC fighter was airlifted to a nearby hospital and put into an induced coma.
A crowfunding site has been set up to support “Mark’s living expenses as well as support to his adult daughters who will be off work and by his side aiding in his recovery as well as assisting in any necessities the Coleman family needs.”
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
Additionally, the family shared:
“We are a faithful family and know God works miracles. Please keep praying with us that our hero has complete healing.”
Photos show the charred remains of the Coleman home
Mark was visiting his childhood home in Toledo, Ohio when the emergency occurred. The family shared that the home was a total loss as a result of the blaze and photos shared online by MMA author Jonathan Snowden show just how extensive the damages were.
This is what’s left of the house Mark Coleman and his family were in last night.
Mark’s dog Hammer woke him up to a house in flames. He saved both his parents and is fighting for his life. pic.twitter.com/hicYhv7SDm
— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) March 12, 2024
About Mark Coleman
Mark Coleman is considered to be a pioneer of mixed martial arts. He was the UFC’s first heavyweight champion in 1997 and its fifth Hall of Fame inductee in 2008. He officially retired in 2013 at the age of 48 with an impressive 16-10 record.
His other accolades include winning a national championship at Ohio State, a silver medal at the 1991 World Championships, and earning a seventh-place finish at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics.
We are praying for a full recovery for Mark Coleman. To learn more and contribute to his expenses, visit the GoFundMe page.