1. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper passes away at 61
On July 31, 2015, WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper passed away at the age of 61.
TMZ broke out this sad news and posted the following:
“Wrestling legend Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61 .. TMZ Sports has learned.
Piper — born Roderick George Toombs — passed away from natural causes at a home in Hollywood. Piper was a wrestling icon — one of the biggest stars in the WWE back in the ’80s. Piper had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006 … but last November he said he was cancer free.”
Piper’s family members issued the following statement to TMZ & noted that Roddy was cancer free at the time of his death:
“Our family is saddened by the sudden passing of our father and beloved husband, Roderick Toombs aka Rowdy Roddy Piper.”
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart posted an emotional message on Instagram, where he remembered the late great “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. You can read it below:
“I can’t find the words to describe the sorrow in my heart upon learning the news of my dear friend, Roddy Piper, passing away.
He was my closest friend in the business, a man that schooled me and guided me throughout my career. In fact, if it wasn’t for Roddy Piper reaching out to help me, I’m sure I would’ve been a mere footnote in wrestling. He was always there for me. He was family to me, a brother who loved me and was there for me through my darkest days.
He was the only wrestler to come visit me when I suffered a stroke in 2002. He totally made me at WrestleMania 8 in our classic match. Passing a torch that many from that era couldn’t conceive of doing. We always called each other “cuz” because we were so close.
I loved you Roddy, and I’ll miss you and your laugh for the rest of my days. I’m stunned and the hole in my heart will widen as it sinks in that I lost a brother of such great worth. What a tragic loss to all that knew him.”
Also Read: 10 Greatest Moments In “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s Career – Click Here.
