Late Thursday the UFC announced on its website that fighter Corey Hill had died at 36 years old. Family, friends and several other websites joined in confirming the news but according to Hill’s wife, he has not died, but is still fighting for his life.
Hill had been hospitalized recently after being diagnosed with pneumonia and according to a friend of his wife, the former UFC lightweight took a turn for the worse and was being taken off of life support. According to Hill’s wife, Lauran, he is still alive and is resting. “My husband is fighting for his life,” Lauran Hill said. “We want him in everyone’s prayers.”
Hill’s family has since given a brief statement confirming that he is alive and the UFC has deleted their statement.
As far as the details surrounding Hill’s hospitalization, MMAJunkie.com reports:
According to a person close to Hill, who asked for anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, the fighter went to a hospital with a severe bout of bronchitis. An X-ray revealed a cyst in his lungs, prompting doctors to order surgery.
Upon completing surgery, however, Hill refused a ventilator and was informed he could suffer complications. Doctors, according to the person, required him to sign a waiver releasing the hospital of liability.
Then, Hill’s lung collapsed, and he suffered a heart attack. In the process he “lost all brain function” and has been in a “vegetative state” for several days. Hill, the person said, remains “on his death bed.”
