Manager confirms passing of UFC veteran Corey Hill

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Corey Hill, just 36 years old, passed away earlier today in Tampa, Florida, after suffering from cardiac arrest as a result of a collapsed lung.

His manager, Patrick Reynolds, along with former promoter, John Prisco, both confirmed Hill's passing in separate reports. "The Real Deal," who last competed at Fight Time 23: "Mayhem in Miami," is survived by his wife and three children.

MMA Junkie has some background on the illness that contributed to his death:

Hill went to the hospital several days ago with a severe case of bronchitis. An X-ray revealed a cyst in his lung and doctors ordered surgery. After surgery, Hill refused a ventilator and signed a waiver of liability, according to a source close to the fighter who asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. Hill then suffered a collapsed lung and a heart attack and was close to death for several days.

A Go Fund Me page has been established to assist with his family; however, it has not yet been verified at this time.

Hill is perhaps best known for his participation on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 reality show, where he turned heads as a 6'4" lightweight, as well as the gruesome leg break that nearly ended his mixed martial arts (MMA) career back in late 2008.

"The Real Deal" finishes 6-9 with five wins by way of knockout or submission.