On Tuesday, the former Ohio State wrestler and UFC legend was hospitalized after he rescued his parents from a fire in his childhood home near Toledo. Coleman, 59, was airlifted from the scene after he inhaled large amounts of smoke in his rescue efforts.
Former UFC champion Mark Coleman ran into a burning house and saved both his parents, then went back in for their dog but passed out in the fire
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) March 12, 2024
He is now in critical condition at the hospital pic.twitter.com/BVjC0OHOQ5
According to a Facebook post from Coleman's friend and fellow retired UFC fighter, Wes Sims, Coleman pulled both his mother and father from the home and entered the property a third time in an effort to save his dog, Hammer. Soon after he made his third exit, members of seven different fire departments responded to the scene and collaborated to treat the family. They also broke the exterior wall of the kitchen, where the fire is believed to have started.
Sims wrote that Coleman is currently intubated and sedated in the hospital.
According to multiple reports, authorities and first responders have yet to provide further statements regarding the fire or Coleman's condition. Their initial statement revealed that the house was a "total loss" and that crews were able to extinguish the flames within an hour.
This is what's left of the house Mark Coleman and his family were in last night.
Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) March 12, 2024
Mark's dog Hammer woke him up to a house in flames. He saved both his parents and is fighting for his life. pic.twitter.com/hicYhv7SDm
Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008, Coleman is considered one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in the history of the sport. He first became a heavyweight title winner at UFC 10 and then repeated as champion at UFC 11. Coleman also found success in the Pride Fighting Championships, becoming a Grand Prix Champion in his seven-year career.
A Fremont, Ohio, native, Coleman wrestled for St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and won a state championship in 1983. He continued to wrestle for Miami (Ohio) University and became a two-time MAC champion, earning All-American honors in 1986. Before his senior year, Coleman transferred to Ohio State, where he won an NCAA championship in 1988.
Ohio State wrestling's X account posted its support for Coleman after the program learned of his heroic efforts on Tuesday.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Buckeye Wrestling legend Mark Coleman and his family #GoBucks
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) March 12, 2024