UFC Fighter Corey Hill Dead, 36

Former UFC fighter Corey Hill died on Friday, May 15, "due to complications from fungal pneumonia," Fox Sports reported.

His wife, Lauran Hill, confirmed to TMZ Sports that the 36-year-old ex-UFC fighter had been sick for several days. His battle with the illness ended on Friday afternoon, when his lungs collapsed resulting to cardiac arrest, Fox Sports added.

Lauran said in the same TMZ report, "Corey was a loving husband and devoted father. He was such a strong role model for our children, and would do anything to keep them safe and happy and healthy. [He was] a fighter 'til the end."

Patrick Reynolds, Corey's longtime manager revealed that the former MMA player went through so much before succumbing to the illness. He said via MMA Junkie, "He was without oxygen for a period of time, and of course, with the lack of oxygen does come damage to the brain. But he is for the most part non-responsive. It's just unfortunate."

Corey left behind his wife and three children, daughter Seytia and two sons, Corey and Keynan.

MMA Junkie also revealed that there were initial reports of Corey's passing a day before he actually died. His wife refuted the claims and asked people to pray for Corey's full recovery.

Citing an anonymous source, MMA Junkie reported that Corey was admitted to the hospital several days ago for severe bronchitis. After several tests, it was discovered that Corey had a cyst in his lung that needed immediate surgery. But Corey reportedly refused a ventilator after the operation and signed a waiver of liability. His health deteriorated as he suffered from a collapsed lung and heart attack which caused his death.

Corey built his reputation in the Octagon by appearing as a contestant on "The Ultimate Fighter 5", according to MMA Junkie. His last fight was in February 2015 at a regional meet, where he lost to Jose Caceres via TKO in the first round. He had an MMA career record of 6-9. Like Anderson Silva, Corey suffered a terrible leg injury in 2008 while fighting in the UFC. He returned in 2010 and fought 11 times, winning four matches.

"The UFC family mourns the tragic loss of Corey Hill, who passed away on May 15 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," the mixed martial arts promotion company said in a statement published on its official website.