UFC legend Mark Coleman was hospitalized after pulling his elderly parents from a house fire early Tuesday morning (March 12).
Mark Coleman (59) was visiting his childhood home near Toledo, Ohio when he was awoken by his family dog, Hammer, to find that the house was quickly going up in flames. Coleman was able to pull his parents, Dan and Connie Coleman, from the house without injury but he was not able to save the dog.
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
Coleman inhaled a large amount of smoke and as a result, was airlifted to a nearby hospital and put into an induced coma.
Coleman’s daughter Morgan, shared the news on Instagram saying:
“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.”
View this post on Instagram
As of Thursday afternoon (March 14), Mark Coleman is awake and responsive, says he’s “so lucky.”
In an emotional video posted Thursday, Coleman can be seen embracing his daughters Morgan and Kenzie for the first time after waking. He says through tears:
“I’m the happiest man in the world. I swear to God, I’m so lucky. I can’t believe my parents are alive… I had to make a decision, Wes. Because I got out of my room and went to the door and it was already horrible. I couldn’t breathe. I almost had to go outside and I went back in and got them. I can’t believe I got them but I couldn’t find Hammer.”
The effects of the smoke inhalation can be heard in Coleman’s raspy voice and he coughs as he speaks, but the joy is visible while he holds his daughters.
Great news to start the day.
Per his Facebook page, Mark Coleman is responsive, talking and laughing with his family.
Mark says “I’m the happiest man in the world!”, as he recalls saving his parents lives.
(h/t @JMurrayMMA) pic.twitter.com/qgG9s2XKrt
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 14, 2024
Along with the video, Kenzie Coleman writes:
“God is good. Miracles do happen. Our dad is breathing on his own. We still have a long road ahead of us but we are truly thankful. We want to thank you all for the love and support from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️”
Mark Coleman’s friends, family, and the MMA community have rallied in support.
A crowfunding site was set up by members of the Coleman family 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.”
As of press time, over $93,000 has been raised from 2.3k donors.
We are thankful for this good news and will continue to pray for a full recovery for Mark Coleman!