Obituary posted for Troy Kirkingburg; Josh Samman still in coma
Obituary posted for Troy Kirkingburg; Josh Samman still in coma
We want to preface this news story by stating that our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of Troy Kirkingburg and Josh Samman. This is an extremely sad and difficult time. The entire mixed martial arts community is saddened.
Yesterday we learned of the unfortunate news that UFC middleweight Josh Samman was found unresponsive while another man was found deceased, both in the same South Florida apartment.
We now know that the deceased is Troy Kirkingburg, who too had ties to the mixed martial arts community. Known at “The Natural,” Troy worked had served as an announcer for live MMA events for the promotion, Island Fights.
The latest on Josh is that he is still in a coma and currently breathing with the assistance of a ventilator.
Today, Eagle Funeral Homes places the below obituary for Troy Kirkingburg.
Troy J. Kirkingburg
April 15, 1988 – September 29, 2016
Troy J. Kirkingburg, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida and formerly of Hillsdale, passed away Thursday, September 29, 2016 in Hollywood. He was born April 15, 1988 in Coldwater to Rhonda Boone and Kevin Kirkingburg.
Troy attended Jonesville Community School and graduated from Hillsdale High School in 2007. While living in Florida, he also attended Florida State University. Troy had a passion for his work as an MMA Ring Announcer and event host, traveling all over the United States. He also worked as a restaurant manager, sales representative for Silver Fox Suits and most recently, Southern Wine and Spirits. Troy enjoyed producing music, visits home and his dog, Orion. Troy was a big dreamer who positively impacted all the lives of people he knew and loved and he will be forever remembered by his family, friends and his beloved fiance, Charlene Cristobal.
Troy is survived by his mother, Rhonda Boone of Hillsdale; father, Kevin Kirkingburg of Hamilton, Indiana; step-mother, Amanda Kirkingburg of Hamilton; three siblings, Derek Bearden of Tallahassee, Florida, Andrew Kirkingburg of Hillsdale and Paige Zimmerman of Hamilton; fiance, Charlene Cristobal of Tallahassee; two grandmothers, Dorothy (Larry) Wilson of Leesburg, Florida and Peggie (Jack) Bildner of Hillsdale; grandfather, Rex Kirkingburg of Reading and great-grandfather, Max Kirkingburg of Hillsdale.
Troy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ron (Loretta) Boone; great-grandmother, Thelma Kirkingburg and great-grandparents, Bus (June) Boone.
A memorial visitation for Troy Kirkingburg will take place Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the family, c/o VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home, 40 S. Manning St., Hillsdale, MI 49242, to assist with funeral expenses.
