Wrestling superstar 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper dies from cardiac arrest

Published August 1, 2015 10:25am

(Updated 11:20 a.m.) Wrestling star "Rowdy" Roddy Piper died from cardiac arrest at his home in Hollywood Thursday night. He was 61.

A report by news site TMZ said the wrestling legend died in his sleep and that was discovered on Friday.

Roddy Piper, Roderick Toombs in real life, had announced in November 2014 that he was already "cancer free." He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The report said that according to a family member, Roddy Piper died "cancer free."

WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon said Roddy Piper was "one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic."

"I extend my deepest condolences to his family," McMahon said.

Other wrestling superstars, including Shawn Michaels, Rick Flair and Steve Austin, and fans flooded Twitter with messages for Roddy Piper.

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Roddy Piper's passing. He was one of a kind and one of the all time greats. #prowrestling
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) July 31, 2015

I'll miss you @R_Roddy_Piper. The world will never be as Rowdy without you. #RIPRoddyPiper
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 1, 2015

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of @R_Roddy_Piper. I admired Roddy so much as a wrestler - and even more as a man #RIPRoddy
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 1, 2015

I STAND BEHIND THE RODDY PIPER WHEN WE BOTH MAKE IT TO HALL OF FAME. FOREVER HE MY BROTHER. pic.twitter.com/Q8S8OtR6XT
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 31, 2015

Landed at home & heard of the passing of Roddy Piper. He was always wonderful to me & I will miss him greatly! My condolences to his family.
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) July 31, 2015

Heartbroken & numb @ news of Roddy Piper. One of my best friends. Many memories. Prayers & love to his family @ this time. RIP Hot Rod.
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) July 31, 2015

—ALG, GMA News

Tags: rowdyroddypiper, wrestling