WWE wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper dies at 61
WWE legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has passed away from cardiac arrest. Piper was 61.
[Photo via Getty]
Piper (born Roderick George Toombs) was inarguably one of WWE's biggest legends. Perhaps most notably, the star fought Hulk Hogan and Mr. T in the first Wrestlemania event in 1985.
“I am devastated at this news,” says Piper's publicist. “Rod was a good friend as well as a client and one of the most generous, sincere and authentic people I have ever known. This is a true loss to us all.”
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Although Piper had battled with Hodgkin's Lymphoma with an initial diagnosis in 2006, Piper's family has confirmed to TMZ that cancer played no role in his death. Roddy is survived by his wife, Kitty and their four children.
Many of our favorite musicians have reacted to the news of Piper's passing.
RIP Roddy Piper…I will miss you
— goth claudia (@gerardway) July 31, 2015
Rest in peace Hot Rod
— Mikey Way (@mikeyway) July 31, 2015
RIP Roddy pic.twitter.com/xj1dC9VoEj
— Ethan Luck (@ethanluck) July 31, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper 🙁 all my childhood heroes are peacin out :/
— Dan Kenny (@DanKenny) July 31, 2015
Damn man ….. #RIP my childhood is becoming extinct. https://t.co/UmNBPBluQ0
— Zach Myers (@ZMyersOfficial) July 31, 2015
RIP Rowdy Roddy Piper one of my favorite wrestlers and star of the greatest fight scene EVER http://t.co/UeLtd4HJyA
— Richard Christy (@cwotd) July 31, 2015
Was sad to hear about WWE Legend ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper Passing . Lots of childhood memories … pic.twitter.com/h1diI7kIQL
— al barr (@neverfal_) July 31, 2015
