A well-known UFC fighter with deep ties to Hernando County has passed away.
Corey Hill will always be remembered as a tough fighter with a lot of heart. He passed away on May 15 at the age of 36 from complications due to a lung condition.
"I can't even believe it to this day," said his friend Felix Ramos. "I'm heartbroken. I can't believe he's gone."
"Great person. Great father. Awesome athlete," said his manager and trainer Patrick Reynolds.
Hill was a professional UFC fighter. He made it to the big time, but never forgot his roots.
Hill was a star wrestler at Springstead High School and called Hernando County home. He did a lot for the community and was a big inspiration for young fighters.
"So much legit love, credentials and expertise to give not only to his own kids, but to the surrounding community," Reynolds said.
Bob Levija is the athletic director at Springstead High. He met Hill for the first time when Hill was a little kid. He said the MMA fighter was a class act.
"I taught him. I coached him. He coached here. He worked for me," Levija said. "He was just a nice kid too. He would clock you in wrestling and then pick you up and shake hands and tell you what a great job you did."
Reynolds said Hill just finished a degree in education, and that he loved kids.