Internet sends prayers as ex-UFC 'hero' Mark Coleman fights for life after saving parents from house fire

TOLEDO, OHIO: Mark Coleman, 59, a retired UFC fighter is battling for his life after rescuing his parents from a house fire in Toledo, Ohio, on March 12.

Coleman is reportedly in a medically-induced coma in the intensive care unit after receiving injuries during the heroic act to save his parents Dan and Connie Foos Coleman.

Mark Coleman collapsed at the scene after suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation

Coleman was alerted about the blaze by the barking of the family dog, Hammer, at 4 am, following which he was able to save his parents. 

The fire began in the kitchen, according to his manager Michael DiSabato. He told NBC that he "will pull through" despite suffering serious injuries in the incident. 

The publication noted that it was not clear if he collapsed inside or outside but, as per DiSabato, the roof of the house collapsed when firefighters arrived at the scene.

Mark Coleman made a third attempt to rescue his dog Hammer

After rescuing his parents, Coleman went in a third time to rescue his dog Hammer but the attempt, as per the publication, was unsuccessful and the dog died in the tragic house fire. 

Colemans' mother Connie Foos Coleman shared details of the incident on social media and prayed for her son. "I am going to bed! Thank God we are alive. Prayers for Mark ! Thank you to all the firefighters. And sheriff's dept, EMS Red Cross, and especially my family," Connie wrote in a Facebook post. 

She added, "Could not do this without you! Love you all! And the hundreds of text, messages and phone calls it is truly heartwarming. Good night!."

Mark Coleman's daughter Morgan says her father is a hero

Coleman's daughter Morgan shared additional details about the incident and how her father was airlifted to the hospital where he continues to battle for his life. 

"Our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, Hammer," she wrote on Instagram.

"He managed to carry both of his parents out of the house but despite his best efforts was not able to save Hammer. He was life-flighted to the hospital where he is currently battling for his life after this heroic act," she added.

She continued, "Our father has always been our hero and means the world to us. He is and always will be a fighter."

Morgan added her father is, "The strongest and bravest man I know. Please continue to pray for him and our family during this extremely difficult time. We will miss our sweet hammer so deeply."

She also shared a GoFundMe link in her story which showed Coleman in the ICU connected to critical life-saving equipment. 

Mark Coleman needs to get his lungs clear

In the GoFundMe organized by Morgan, she wrote that Coleman "needs lots of prayers to get his lungs clear."

"His adult daughters, McKenzie and Morgan have not, and will not leave their dad's side as he battles for his life. We all knew he was one of the best athletes, now we know he is a true Hero," it wrote in part. 

Morgan wrote, "To know Mark Coleman, you know he has the biggest heart, he is fierce, afraid of nothing mentality, loves the lord, and would do anything for his Family."

Mourning the dog's loss, they wrote, "It is with great sadness with great sadness that our beloved "hammy" "ham" "lil hammer" did not survive the fire, and the home is a total loss." adding, "Lil hammer is a true Hero, and will be truly missed."

Internet joins the family to pray for Mark Coleman's recovery 

Meanwhile, the internet has joined to pray for Coleman's recovery. 

"So glad you and Dan got out safe. I've been praying for Mark," a Facebook user comments on Connie Foos Coleman's post.

"He was your angel on earth last night for sure. I'm so sorry you all are going through this. Prayers to you all," the user added. 

"So glad you are ok! And that Mark was there. Prayers for his recovery," one more commented. 

"Oh, man. That’s sad. But a true hero," one reacted on X. Another wrote, "Sending thoughts and prayers for Mark Coleman and his family during this difficult time."

"I am so sorry to hear this I love watching your father's content daily I hope he’s able to make a fast recovery," a user wrote on Morgans's Instagram post. 

One more added, "True fighter. Fought for his dog. Prayers," another added, "Love you all. Your dad is a hero as well as Hammer who most likely saved your dad." 

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