Former UFC lightweight Corey Hill passed away on Thursday after a sudden bout of fungal pneumonia. He was 36-years-old.
Hill participated on the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter and fought three times in the organization in 2008. His UFC career was cut short when he suffered a gruesome broken leg at UFC Fight Night 16 against Dale Hartt. He returned to fighting a year later with a decision win over Jason Trzewieczynski. Hill last competed in February and retired following the TKO loss to Jose Caceres.
UFC released a statement after learning of Hill’s passing.
“The UFC family mourns the tragic loss of Corey Hill, who passed away on May 14 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,” read the press release.
MMAWeekly’s thoughts are with Hill’s his wife Lauran and three children: daughter Seytia and sons Keynan and Corey, Jr.
