An update as to the status of UFC middleweight Josh Samman was provided just a little while ago by Fox Sports. Samman, a 28-year-old UFC middleweight and an author at Bloody Elbow, remains in a coma in critical condition in Florida after being found unresponsive in his apartment a few days ago.
Local Florida MMA reporter Christopher Rothstein provided Fox Sports with a statement from Samman's mother:
"Josh is still in a coma, and more tests are being done. That is the latest update on my son's condition. And in spite of speculation, there was no heroin found in Josh's system whatsoever. No matter what people are posting on social media.
"The reason I am making this statement is, because Josh touched so many lives, and loved inspiring others, especially young people. I don't want them to lose faith in him, and whatever he brought out in them, because of the lies. He would want them to "never give up."
All of us at Bloody Elbow wish our friend Josh a speedy recovery, and our thoughts are with his friends and family.
Update: The Hollywood (Fla.) police department has released a statement on Samman's hospitalization, including details on the 911 call. (via MMA Fighting)
Samman was breathing and had a pulse, but was not responding. The deceased was identified as Troy Kirkingburg, Samman's friend and the announcer for Samman's Florida MMA promotion. Police responded to the "call of a possible drug overdose," per the statement.
Samman and Kirkingburg were found by a friend, Hunter Sundberg, who called 911 and administered CPR until police arrived, the release said.
Police said there were no signs of foul play and detectives are currently investigating.