UFCUPDATE: Despite multiple statements reacting to Corey Hill's passing, TMZ now reports that Hill's wife, Lauren, says her husband is still alive, telling the site, "My husband is a strong fighter. Please everyone pray for him." She had no comment regarding the various statements, including one released by UFC.
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Corey Hill, a former UFC fighter, passed away this morning at age 36 after suffering from pneumonia.
TMZ first reported the sad news and included that Hill's friend Jennifer Swift had been posting updates about Hill on Twitter.
She revealed that Hill fell ill a few weeks ago and had been "battling fungal pneumonia" for "a week or 2" before his lung collapsed.
Then this morning, the MMA personality and ring card girl tweeted that doctors informed family that "he had no brain activity."
The site reports that he was placed on life support, but subsequently taken off of it early Thursday.
Hill made his UFC debut back in 2008 after appearing on The Ultimate Fighter 5.
He most recently competed at an MMA event this past February in Florida, which was a huge milestone following a serious leg injury he suffered from an earlier, televised fight.
The UFC released the following statement, obtained by E! News, upon learning of Hill's death:
"The UFC family mourns the tragic loss of Corey Hill, who passed away on May 14 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."
Hill is survived by his wife Lauren, a daughter Seytia and two sons, Keynan and Corey Jr.
Our thoughts go out to Hill's loved ones.