UFC Fighter Josh Samman Dies at Age 28

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Friend and roommate was found dead in their shared apartment last week

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UFC fighter Josh Samman died on Wednesday after a week in a coma. He was 28.

Samman’s manager, Gary Ibarra, confirmed his death and said the middleweight fighter’s family would release a statement soon, Fox Sports said.

Samman was hospitalized after a friend found him unresponsive in his apartment in Hollywood Beach Gardens, Florida, on Thursday, alongside his friend and roommate Troy Kirkingburg, also 28. Kirkingburg was declared dead at the scene.

The cause of death is pending an autopsy, but may be delayed by Hurricane Matthew, USAToday.com reported.

The UFC released a statement Wednesday honoring their fallen fighting, saying: “The UFC sends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Josh Samman, who passed away on Oct. 5. He was 28. A popular figure in the mixed martial arts world who was embraced by the community not just for his fighting ability but for his writing and accessibility to fans and his fellow media members, the Tallahassee native was always searching for the next adventure, whether in the Octagon or in life.”

“Those that knew him would say that they learned a lot from Josh Samman, who made a significant mark in only 28 years on the planet,” it continued.

“He will be missed.

In 2013, Hailey Bevis, Samman’s girlfriend, died in a car crash while texting with him.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Samman made his professional MMA debut in 2007. He went on to join Jon Jones’ team on the 17th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

He later won his first three fights in the UFC including back-to-back “Performance of the Night” victories over Eddie Gordon and Caio Magalhaes.

Along with his action in the Octagon, Samman penned a book titled “The Housekeeper: Love, Death, and Prizefighting,” which chronicles his struggles with addiction, injuries and tragedy.

“It’s not an autobiography,” he said earlier this year, according to UFC.com. “It’s not something chronicling my whole life from beginning to end. It’s a memoir. It’s to connect with folks that are going through similar life experiences.”

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