Advertisement

WWE's 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper dead at 61

By Alex Butler

NEW YORK, July 31 (UPI) -- Wrestling has watched several legends come and go in 2015. Another name was added to the list of the lost Thursday, as Roderick George Toombs died at 61.

Toombs, also known as 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, died of cardiac arrest while sleeping. He was found Friday, according to TMZ.

Advertisement

Piper was a WWE fixture throughout the 1980's. He is survived by a wife and four children.

"WWE is deeply saddened that Roderick Toombs, aka "Rowdy" Roddy Piper — WWE Hall of Famer and Intercontinental Champion — passed away today at the age of 61," WWE said in a statement. "WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Toombs' family, friends and fans."

"Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world," said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. "I extend my deepest condolences to his family."

Several personalities reached out on Twitter to remember Piper, including his son and fellow wrestler Colt Toombs.

"My father @R_Roddy_Piper was a great man and my best friend I will miss him forever and will always try to be the man he raised me to be," Toombs said.

Latest Headlines