Friday morning, unfortunate news surfaced that UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes was involved in a horrific car accident that saw the car he was in get struck by a train. Hughes was airlifted to a medical facility.
While details were initially scarce, the HSHS St. John’s Hospital released a statement on Hughes condition, stating:
“Former UFC fighter and Hillsboro native Matt Hughes was airlifted to HSHS St. John’s Hospital in the noon hour on Friday, June 16, 2017. The HSHS St. John’s Regional Trauma Team stabilized him and continues to help him in his recovery.”
This was followed up by a report from Loretta Hunt, who revealed that Hughes was in a coma. as of Friday evening.
Hearing Matt Hughes is in a coma. Keep those prayers coming.
— Loretta Hunt (@lorettahuntmma) June 17, 2017
Saturday morning, a positive update on Hughes condition emerged, with Steven Marrocco of MMAJunkie revealing that Hughes eyes are closed, but he is “awake” and “squeezing hands” – a good sign.
Update from Monte Cox on Matt Hughes: "His eyes are closed, but he is awake today and squeezing hands." Great to hear.
— Steven Marrocco (@MMAjunkieSteven) June 17, 2017
Stay tuned for updates as they become available, and continue to keep Hughes in your thoughts and prayers!
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/17/2017.