Bray Wyatt, best known for being a three-time WWE champion, has died suddenly at the age of 36.
The wrestling star, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, had been out of the ring since February while dealing with an undisclosed health issue.
News of Wyatt's death was confirmed by fellow wrestler Triple H (real name Paul Levesque), who had been informed of his passing by his father.
He told fans: "Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda - also known as Bray Wyatt - unexpectedly passed earlier today.
"Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time."
It was revealed by wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp that Wyatt had died from a heart attack after contracting Covid, which exacerbated a pre-existing heart issue.
He wrote on Twitter: "Was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues.
"There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away."
He added that Wyatt's loved ones "wanted some details clarified" to the public by revealing the cause of his death.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was among those paying tribute to Wyatt, as he wrote: "Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing.
"Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe.
"Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy world of pro wrestling. Still processing losing the goat, Terry Funk yesterday and now Bray today."
He added: "My love, light, strength & mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time. As always, 'thank you for the house’'."
Wyatt came from a family of wrestlers, starring with his grandfather Blackjack Mulligan, then his father Mike Rotunda, and his brother Bo Dallas.
He found his own talent for wrestling early, becoming a state wrestling champion in high school as well as earning a football scholarship to Troy University, but left before graduating to become a professional wrestler.
Wyatt made his professional wrestling debut in 2009 and fought under several names including Husky Harris, Alex Rotunda, Duke Rotundo, and The Fiend.
When he debuted as Bray Wyatt, he played the villainous leader of The Wyatt Family alongside Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman and the late Brodie Lee.
He was released from WWE in 2021 but made a long-awaited comeback last October as part of Extreme Rules. debuting a new version of his character.
Wyatt had been out of the ring for several months due to illness, but Wrestling News reported that he had been close to returning to the WWE before his death.
WWE commentator Mick Foley also paid tribute, writing: "I thought so highly of Bray Wyatt... He was a true visionary; one of the most compelling presences that wrestling has ever seen."
Wyatt is survived by his fiancée, former WWE ring announcer Joseann Offerman, and their four children, as well as his brother Taylor Rotunda (wrestler Bo Dallas), and his sister Mika.
Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and fans at this heartbreaking time.
.jpg_zwQsIw?tr=h-184)
.jpg_afiN0s?tr=h-184)
