The UFC Hall of Famer was seriously injured and airlifted to HSHS St. John's Hospital on Friday after the pickup truck he was driving collided with a train.
- June 17, 2017
AceShowbiz -
UFC star Matt Hughes is hospitalized after a car accident. The 43-year-old wrestler and mixed martial artist was badly injured after his pickup truck collided with a train in Montgomery County, Illinois on Friday, June 16.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 A.M. local time. According to Illinois State Police, the pickup truck he was driving approached "railroad grade crossing marked with crossbucks." Hughes crossed the railroad tracks directly in front of a train and the train struck the passenger side of the truck.
Hughes was airlifted to HSHS St. John's Hospital. UFC president Dana White told ESPN that Hughes suffered head trauma in the accident. Giving an update on the UFC Hall of Famer's condition, the hospital said in a statement released on Friday afternoon, "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."
"Hughes' family asks that you respect their privacy during this difficult time. They ask that you keep Matt in your thoughts and prayers," the statement read.
Hughes, a 2-time welterweight champion, last fought in the UFC in 2011. Earlier this year, he mulled a comeback.
