The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed the death of legendary wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper on Friday in his Hollywood, California home. He was 61 years old.
According to reports, Piper, whose real name is Roderick George Toombs, died in his sleep after suffering an apparent heart attack on Thursday evening. His lifeless body was discovered the following day.
"Rod passed peacefully in his sleep last night," Jay Schachter, Piper's agent stated. "I am shocked and beyond devastated. He was an icon, a legend, an amazing man and a true friend."
Schachter added that Piper was very sincere, generous and authentic, and that the passing of the wrestling icon is a loss to everyone in the industry.
Piper's son, Colt Toombs, wrote on Twitter that he is deeply saddened by his father's death. He said that his dad was his best friend and that he will miss him.
My father @R_Roddy_Piper was a great man and my best friend I will miss him forever and will alway try to be the man he raised me to be
— Colt Toombs (@ColtToombs) July 31, 2015
Roddy Piper's co-workers and contemporaries in professional wrestling also expressed their sadness over the loss. Hulk Hogan, one of Piper's most prominent and fiercest rivals in the wrestling industry, sent out a tweet to give honor to his longtime competitor. He wrote that he was at a loss for words at the passing of his friend and wishes Piper's family well.
Totally lost for words,RIP,Roddy one,and God bless your family,I love you my brother,only love HH — Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) August 1, 2015
Fellow WWE legend Sgt. Slaughter also extended his condolences to Piper's family. He said that he was numbed and heartbroken at his best friend's death.
Feel so sad hearing Rowdy Roddy Piper has passed away. Always brought a smile 2 my face when I saw him #ClassAct #RIP pic.twitter.com/EPOtHUQBHy
— Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia) July 31, 2015
In his statement, WWE CEO Vince McMahon called Roddy Piper one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic wrestlers the WWE had ever seen. He said that Piper was very much loved by his fans all over the world.
Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE... (1/2) — Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015
...beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. (2/2)
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015
Other celebrities who reached out to give their condolences to Piper's family include his friend Oscar-winning film maker John Carpenter and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Piper's Hall of Fame Career
Toombs began his wrestling career when he was only 15 years old in a match against Larry "The Axe" Hennig. While the bout only lasted for 10 seconds in a loss for Toombs, it became apparent that he had found his calling.
He went on to appear in different wrestling promotions in Los Angeles and Canada before he eventually earned a spot in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the oldest organization for wrestling in the world.
In 1984, Toombs, wrestling under the name of Roddy Piper, became part of the WWE, where he soon took on the mantle of one of the most hated heels in the industry.
Some of Piper's most memorable feuds in the WWE included the ones against "Ravishing" Rick Rude, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Jerry "The King" Lawler and Hulk Hogan.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
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