Fans and colleagues have paid tribute to UFC middleweight fighter Josh Samman, who died aged 28 after spending nearly a week in a coma.
Samman, who had a history of substance abuse, and room-mate Troy Kirkingburg were found unresponsive at his Florida home after Police were called to the scene for a “suspected drug overdose”.
Josh Samman's positive energy and his big smile were contagious. He was always so kind & thoughtful whenever he interacted with any of us.
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) October 5, 2016
The cause of Samman’s death has yet to be officially determined, but police have ruled out foul play.
Samman’s manager Gary Ibarra issued a statement to Fox Sports on Wednesday which read: “It is with a heavy heart that the family of Joshua Samman, well-known professional mixed martial artist, promoter and author, have announced his passing this morning at 7.20am at Regional Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. He was 28 years old.
RIP Josh Samman. Horrible news to hear. Prayers to his family.
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) October 5, 2016
Josh Samman will be badly missed. Never a bad word about anyone. Always thoughtful and kind. Awful loss https://t.co/zfbS7vEzPN
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) October 5, 2016
“The cause of death has yet to be determined pending an autopsy. The family asks that Josh’s privacy be respected and that everyone continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.”
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Josh Samman. Tough, tough day. He was a talented young man. RIP Josh.
— Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) October 5, 2016
RIP Josh Samman. Hands down one of the nicest guys I ever had the pleasure of coming across whilst covering this sport . 🙏🏻 https://t.co/PoIJ7yAtbQ
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) October 5, 2016
Samman’s mother released a statement to Fox Sports on Monday stating that, contrary to online rumours, “there was no heroin found in Josh’s system whatsoever”.
