Roderick George Toombs was his real name, but he was better known as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Many fans of professional wrestling think of him as the “greatest bad guy in wrestling history.” He got the title in the 1980s when he was a member of the World Wrestling Federation, which is now called WWE.
Piper was known for his unique style, which was to wear a kilt and play the bagpipes when he went into the ring. When Piper dἰed suddenly at age 61 in 2015, wrestling fans all over the world were saddened by the loss. Read on to find out more about why Piper dἰed.
Roddy Piper’s Cause of Deἀth
WWE said on its website in 2006 that Piper had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Later, the wrestler himself posted messages of thanks to his fans on his website to prove it. He said that he wouldn’t have known what was wrong with him if Ric Flair hadn’t put him in a Cyber Sunday match and taken him to the hospital.
Do you aware that January 26 is a “dark day” in sports? Kobe Bryant, his teenage daughter, and seven other people dἰed in a chopper crash. Millions of his fans all over the world still can’t believe that “Mamba” is no longer with us:
In 2015, Piper dἰed in his sleep at his home in Hollywood. He was 61 years old. On his deἀth certificate, a pulmonary embolism is listed as the reason for his cardiopulmonary arrest, which was caused by high blood pressure. Vince McMahon, who owns WWE, said in a statement that he was sorry for the family’s loss.
He wrote –
“Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
Even Piper’s old rival Hulk Hogan came forward with a message of sympathy. He told TMZ –
“I will forever miss him. He was my best friend. He is a legend. God’s gain is our loss. May his family in this time of need, find peace.”
Piper is remembered by his wife, Kitty Jo Dittrich, and their four children. Piper was married to Kitty Jo Dittrich until he dἰed.
A&E’s upcoming special, ‘Biography: ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper,’ directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Joe Lavine, will delve deeper into Piper’s life and illustrious career. ‘Biography: ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper’ premieres on April 25 at 8/7c.
