Retired UFC fighter Mark Coleman 'fighting for life' after rescuing parents from house fire
Mark Coleman, 59, saved both his parents from the fire before returning into the burning house a third time to try and save the family's dog, Hammer.
Wednesday 13 March 2024 13:05, UK
Retired UFC fighter Mark Coleman has been hospitalised and is fighting for his life after he rescued his parents from a house fire.
Family members and those close to the UFC Hall of Famer said he was in an induced coma after the fire in Toledo, Ohio, early this morning.
It was said Mr Coleman was woken up by his dog, Hammer, barking as the house began to go up in flames.
The 59-year-old pulled his father and then mother from the burning building. He then returned to try to save Hammer but was unable to.
While his parents were not seriously injured, Coleman collapsed and suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation, Sky's US partner NBC News reports.
As firefighters arrived at the property, the roof was said to have collapsed.
He had to be rushed to hospital via helicopter where his daughter said he was "fighting for his life".
In a message shared on social media, Morgan Coleman added: "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."
On Facebook, Mr Coleman's mum, Connie, said: "Thank God we are alive. Prayers for Mark! Thank you to all the firefighters. And sheriffs dept. EMS Red Cross. and especially my family. Could not do this without you! Love you all! And the hundreds of text, messages and phone calls it is truly heartwarming".
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Pictures of the house show the property gutted by the blaze, with no roof left standing and the walls barely intact.