WWE Hall of Fame inductee The Ultimate Warrior, James Hellwig, died yesterday at the age of 54 in Arizona.
An official cause of death has not been released. Hellwig was seen in his hotel room clutching his chest shortly before his death. Officials have ruled out foul play or drugs ahead of an autopsy due to be performed Thursday.
Hellwig was filming his return to the ring after 16 years to commemorate being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Wearing a mask and a long jacket featuring his image, he addressed his fans in his final speech.
“[A man's] spirit will be immortalized by the storytellers, by the loyalty, by the memories of those who honor him and make the running the man did live forever. I am Ultimate Warrior, you are the Ultimate Warrior fans, and the spirit of Ultimate Warrior will run for ever,” he said.
Pro wrestlers recalled their memories of the WWE legend as well as an outpouring of support for his surviving wife Dana and his two daughters on social media.
WWE Official Statement
“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.”
Hulk Hogan
We talked,both forgave each other,we hugged ,we shook hands as we told each other I love you,I am so sad,God bless his beautiful family HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2014
Jake “The Snake” Roberts
Deeply saddened. We just had a great talk & buried a senseless hatchet. Talked working together. RIP Warrior. Taking solace we made peace.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) April 9, 2014
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Loss always has a way of reminding us to live and love as greatly as we can. My prayers and strength to his family. RIP Ultimate Warrior.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 9, 2014
Diamond Dallas Page
Deeply saddened to find out about the passing of #WWE LEGEND, @UltimateWarrior. You & your legacy will FOREVER be remembered in our hearts!
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) April 9, 2014
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
The Iron Sheik
Break my heart. I love you forever #RIPUltimateWarrior
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 9, 2014