Corey Hill, Former UFC Fighter, Dies at Age 36

Former UFC fighter Corey Hill died Friday due to complications from bronchitis that led to a collapsed lung and a heart attack, per Steven Marrocco of MMA Junkie after Patrick Reynolds, Hill's manager, confirmed the news.

Hill's wife, Lauran, confirmed the news to TMZ.com, as well:

"

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 till the end.

"

Hill, nicknamed "The Real Deal," had a 6-9 professional MMA record. He last appeared in Fight Time 23: Mayhem In Miami, where he lost by way of technical knockout to Jose Caceres in February (h/t Sherdog.com).

He showed up on the UFC's radar from gaining exposure for competing on season five of The Ultimate Fighter, a television show that used to air on Spike TV but now has a new home on Fox Sports 1.

Unfortunately, Hill broke his leg in December 2008 during his fourth professional fight at UFC: Fight for the Troops. Although he returned to the company, Hill debuted with Xtreme Fighting Championships in 2011.

Hill is survived by his wife, Lauran, and his three children, daughter Seytia and sons Corey Jr. and Keenan.