Maricopa County law enforcement officials have confirmed former pro wrestling star Ultimate Warrior's cause of death.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ultimate Warrior, born James Hellwig, died of cardiovascular disease. Warrior, 54, was pronounced dead on April 8 at hospital in Scottsdale, Ariz.
"Maricopa County spokeswoman Cari Gerchick announced the finding Monday after an autopsy was conducted by the county medical examiner's office," the LA Times reports. "There was no alcohol or drugs in his system."
Witness reportedly saw Warrior clutch his chest before collapsing to the ground. The former WWE wrestler was with his wife moments before his death, according to TMZ.
"Warrior, born James Brian Hellwig, was one of the organization's most charismatic performers, with an outrageous hair-metal inspired mane, legendary mask and nearly rabid speeches and interviews," For The Win reports. "As far as the popularity of WWE (then WWF) stars of the late '80s, the Ultimate Warrior ranked up there with Hulk Hogan and "Macho Man" Randy Savage as the ambassadors of that era. The Ultimate Warrior's guest spot on Regis and Kathie Lee below is especially entertaining."
Warrior's death came just three days after the former wrestler was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame before Wrestlemania XXX. Warrior gave the following speech during his WWE Hall of Fame"Raw," according to For The Win.
"Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers - by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him, and make the running the man did live forever."
You can watch Warrior's big speech in the video below.
