Ultimate Fighting Champion, Josh Samman, is in a coma and fighting for his life on a respirator.
The 28-year-old UFC athlete was found unconscious in his home in Hollywood, South Florida early on Friday, after a suspected heroin overdose, according to Combat Coverage. Samman was immediately rushed to hospital.
Tragically, Samman was found alongside his friend, roommate and UFC ring announcer Troy Kirkingburg (pictured below), who was declared dead on arrival.
Messages of condolence for Troy, who was a ‘big dreamer’ according to his touching obituary, have been flooding online UFC spaces.
Troy’s fiance and CBS news anchor, Charlene Cristobal, said:
I am extremely heartbroken over the loss of the man who will always be the love of my life.
I thank everyone for their support, but ask for privacy for his family and me as we mourn our loss.
People are rallying round Samman too and praying for him to make a full recovery.
Tampa ring announcer, Christopher J. Rothstein, posted to Facebook to share updates regarding Samman’s health with supportive fans and members of the UFC community.
Sky Rudloe, a fellow MMA fighter said:
There are so many people in town here who were inspired to get into this sport because of Josh.
We are just sitting here with held breath hoping for the best and praying. It kind of hit us all right in the teeth.
We send our best to the pair’s family and friends at this difficult time.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.