The Ultimate Warrior dead at 54: WWE
Wrestling icon The Ultimate Warrior has died at the age of 54, according to World Wrestling Entertainment.
In a statement on its website, the WWE says it "is shocked and deeply saddened" to learn of hid death, which comes only days after he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He also appeared at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw.
Scottsdale, Ariz., police spokesman Sgt. Mark Clark told The Associated Press that he collapsed while walking with his wife to their car outside an Arizona hotel and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
There were no signs of foul play, Clark said. An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Thursday.
"He began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history," the statement says. "Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter."
"Warrior," who was born James Brian Hellwig, is survived by his wife Dana and two daughters, the WWE says.
Tributes, meanwhile, have been pouring in for the late wrestler:
RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2014
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
Devastated to hear of the passing of @UltimateWarrior. He was a childhood hero of mine & he vs @HulkHogan WM6 is still one of the best ever
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) April 9, 2014