Former UFC champion Mark Coleman was hospitalized Tuesday after rescuing his parents from a house Fire
Coleman, 59, was put in an induced coma in intensive care, manager Michael DiSabato said late Tuesday, according to NBC. DiSabato said that family members expect Coleman, who suffered from smoke inhalation, to survive.
The Fire broke out at about 4 a.m. Tuesday in the Coleman familyās home in Fremont, Ohio, according to WTOL.
The fire, which was fought by members of seven Fire departments, began in the kitchen. The roof of the house collapsed soon after Fire crews entered the structure, which is considered a total loss.
Coleman made two tripsĀ to save his parents, but then collapsed on his third trip when he attempted to save the family dog, Hammer, according to NBC.
Colemanās daughter, Morgan Coleman, explained Colemanās heroic efforts in a post on Instagram.
āAs many know, our dad was involved in a house Fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, hammer,ā she posted
āHe managed to carry 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,ā she wrote.
āOur father has always been our Hero and means the world to us. He is and always will be a fighter. The strongest bravest man I know. Please continue to pray for him and our family during this extremely difficult time. We will miss our sweet hammer so deeply,ā she wrote.
Kenzie Coleman added to her sisterās account, writing on her Instagram Stories that Hammer āsaved life by barking until he woke up,ā according to People.
āI woke up today with some of the most devestating news. Anyone who knows me knows my dad is my world. Whatever you believe in please keep my dad and family in your thoughts and prayers. I love you daddy if anyone can get through this itās you,ā she wrote.
āMy dog already got taken from me please donāt take my daddy ⦠rip to my puppy who was my world,ā she wrote.
Coleman was the UFCās first heavyweight champion in 1997, according to ESPN.
He was inducted into the UFCās Hall of Fame in 2008.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.
