UFC, Ohio State alum Mark Coleman calls himself 'happiest man in world' in fire recovery
Mark Coleman, UFC Hall of Famer and former Ohio State wrestler, called himself "the happiest man in the world" from his hospital bed following an early morning house fire Tuesday, according to a video shared to his Facebook account.
Coleman, 59, was taken by helicopter Tuesday to a Toledo Promedica after suffering from smoke inhalation. He attempted to save the family's dog, a Rottweiler named Hammer, after he had already carried both of his parents out of their Fremont home, according to an Instagram post by his daughter Morgan. Hammer died in the fire. Photos shared on a GoFundMe fundraiser by his family show him intubated at the hospital immediately following the fire. But in a new video, posted Thursday morning by his daughter Kenzie, Coleman is seen sitting up in bed, talking and embracing his daughters in a hug.
Mark Coleman, the UFC Hall of Famer and former Ohio State wrestler, expressed profound gratitude from his hospital bed after surviving a harrowing house fire. In a heartfelt video shared on his Facebook account, the 59-year-old referred to himself as "the happiest man in the world."
Coleman was rushed to Toledo Promedica Hospital via helicopter after sustaining smoke inhalation during the early morning blaze on Tuesday. Reports indicate that he heroically rescued his parents from the flames before attempting to save the family's beloved Rottweiler, Hammer. Tragically, Hammer perished in the fire, adding to the devastation of the incident.
Photos circulated on a GoFundMe page set up by Coleman's family depicted him intubated in the immediate aftermath of the fire. However, a subsequent video, posted by his daughter Kenzie on Thursday morning, revealed a heartening scene. Coleman was shown sitting up in bed, engaging in conversation, and sharing emotional embraces with his daughters.
Through tears, Coleman expressed overwhelming gratitude for his family's survival, stating, "God, I'm so lucky. I can't believe my parents are alive."
The resilience and strength displayed by Coleman in the face of such adversity serve as a testament to his character and indomitable spirit. As he continues to recover from this traumatic event, the outpouring of support from friends, fans, and the community underscores the profound impact he has had both inside and outside the octagon.