James Hellwig, better known to 80’s and 90’s babies as the Ultimate Warrior, has passed away at the age of 54.
This is saddening and surprising news for wrestling fans everywhere, as Warrior was seen on Monday Night Raw just last night after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Saturday evening.
The news was first reported by WWE Executive Paul Levesque, known by most as WWE Legend Triple H.
Saddened to announce the passing of the Ultimate Warrior. Icon and friend. My sympathy to his wife Dana and his daughters
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 9, 2014
Warriors passing was confirmed in a press release from the WWE moments later.
WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior. Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter. We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans. WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior’s family, friends and fans. Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.
Warrior was best known for his non-stop energy and his clashes with Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and some of the biggest names in WWE history.
There is an unconfirmed report from TMZ that Warrior was walking to his car with his wife outside of an Arizona hotel when he collapsed. According to the report, he was then rushed to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
At this point, speculating the details is not what is important. It’s important to recognize that while the Ultimate Warrior was a man who had his demons, he seemed to have moved past them and finally returned home to the WWE.
Sadly, he is now another of our childhood heroes who has passed on too soon.