Memorial funds created to help family of former UFC fighter Corey Hill

Corey Hill

Donations are being taken to aid the family of former UFC fighter and “The Ultimate Fighter 5” cast member Corey Hill, who passed away this past Friday from complications from fungal pneumonia.

A memorial account was recently set up in Hill’s name to provide assistance to his family for medical and living expenses. A GoFundMe page also has been created by the UFC vet’s former teammate, “TUF 5” vet Alan Berube, according to Patrick Reynolds, Hill’s longtime manager.

Fans who wish to a donate can do so via the Corey Hill Memorial Account, c/o The Eastern Colorado Bank, 444 East Pikes Peak Ave #300, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Online donations, which exclusively benefit the Hill family, can be found at gofundme.com. As of this writing, the GoFundMe account has raised just $1,475 of its $100,000 goal.

Hill was admitted to this hospital this past week with a severe case of bronchitis. Doctors diagnosed him with fungal pneumonia and performed surgery. Afterward, he suffered a heart attack, which left him with brain damage. He fought for his life for several days – despite premature reports of his death – before passing away on May 15. He was 36.

Hill leaves behind a wife, Lauran, and three children.

Hill most recently fought in February and suffered a first-round TKO loss in a regional show. After suffering a gruesome leg break in a 2008 UFC fight against Dale Hartt, he returned to the cage two years later with an eye on returning to the UFC. He struggled to pick up momentum and went 4-6 in regional competition.

Earlier this year, Hill discussed his infamous leg break and recovery while speaking to MMAjunkie’s Ben Fowlkes:

The UFC released a statement following the first reports of Hill’s death, but the organization pulled it and a eulogy following subsequent reports he was still alive.

On “TUF 5,” Hill (6-9) fell short in the show’s quarterfinal round and suffered a submission loss to future UFC star Nate Diaz. But Hill earned a reputation as one of the most eager competitors and later went on to study with one of the show’s coaches, MMA legend Pat Miletich.

Following the show, Hill earned a second-round TKO win over Joe Veres before losing back-to-back UFC bouts, including his injury loss.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.