TMZ Update 2pm eastern.
TMZ spoke to people that were with The Ultimate Warrior during WrestleMania weekend in New Orleans and they note that he looked to be in rough shape all weekend.
They noted that he appeared to be in constant pain, sweaty and looked very uncomfortable. It was apparent to the people around him that something was seriously off. People also took notice when Warrior looked weak after doing his signature rope shake on RAW.
One of their sources said, “We all felt like he looked like he was going to blow a gasket. It was pretty easy to see.”
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Original News Post:
Details on exactly how The Ultimate Warrior passed away on Tuesday have not been released yet but below is the statement from Scottsdale police spokesman Sergeant Mark Clark, mentioning a catastrophic medical condition:
“On April 8 at 5:50 pm 54-year-old “Warrior” James B Hellwig collapsed while walking with his wife to their car at the Gainy Suites Hotel in Scottsdale, Ariz. Scottsdale Fire transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead soon after arrival. At this point in the investigation, it appears as though a catastrophic medical condition caused his death.”
Furthermore, TMZ reports that The Ultimate Warrior was seen clutching his chest moments before he collapsed at an Arizona hotel on Tuesday, according to their law enforcement sources who spoke with eye witnesses. They report that Warrior was walking down a hallway at the Gainey Suites Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ, headed toward his car with his wife, when he stopped, clutched his chest and went down. He never recovered. So far, there is no evidence to show drugs or alcohol were a factor in his death. All signs point to a massive heart attack. An investigation is underway and an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.
TNA posted the following on their website in regards to The Ultimate Warrior’s tragic passing:
“TNA joins the entire wrestling world in mourning the passing of Warrior. He was one of the most popular superstars in the history of professional wrestling and will certainly be missed by millions of fans worldwide. We hope everyone will keep his family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Dixie Carter also tweeted: “RIP @UltimateWarrior. Much respect. Deepest sympathies to your family.”
PWInsider also reports that WWE had a camera crew following The Ultimate Warrior and his family around for the entire WrestleMania weekend in New Orleans. The footage was for a future project to focus on his return. On a related note, F4Wonline.com notes that Warrior stayed at a different hotel than the rest of the WWE crew in New Orleans and mostly hung out with just his family.
