Matt Hughes’ Family Working with Brain and Spinal Injury Non-Profit Organization
Matt Hughes family will work with the Triumph Over Tragedy Foundation to determine the next steps in the UFC Hall of Famer’s care.
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“Matt has sat on Triumph Over Tragedy Foundation's board for five years. The Georgia based nonprofit serves families affected by spinal cord and brain injuries. We are working closely with the foundation on the next steps with Matt’s care including having him evaluated by one of the country’s top Traumatic Brain Injury Centers. We are taking Matt’s situation day by day and ask his fans and colleagues to continue to lift him up in prayer.”
Hughes was airlifted to HSHS St. John’s Hospital after a truck he was driving was hit by a train while crossing the tracks in Raymond, Ill last Friday. According to Illinois State Police, Hughes drove the vehicle directly across the tracks “directly in front of the train” and the collision occurred on the passenger side of the vehicle.
The hospital announced on Sunday that Hughes was in “stable condition” but “minimally responsive.” Meanwhile, a statement released by the Hughes family revealed that the former welterweight champion had no broken bones or internal injuries but was not yet awake or responsive.
According to the mission statement on the Triumph Over Tragedy website, the organization’s goal is “to support the family unit through biblical principles from the initial impact of a tragedy or illness, to the ongoing circumstances faced in the years to come.”
Hughes is recognized as one of the greatest welterweights in mixed martial arts history. The two-time UFC 170-pound champion retired after a loss to Josh Koscheck in 2011. He was later hired as vice president of athlete development and government relations by the promotion but was let go this past December after the UFC was purchased by new owners WME-IMG. The Hillsboro, Ill., native is 45-9 over the course of a pro career that began in 1998 and owns victories over the likes of Carlos Newton, Sean Sherk, Frank Trigg, Georges St. Pierre, Royce Gracie and B.J. Penn.
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