WRESTLING legend Kevin Sullivan has died at 74 after struggling an accident in Could that led to a collection of issues he by no means recovered from.
WWE introduced The Taskmaster’s demise on Thursday morning, main tributes to pour in for the previous World Championship Wrestling star.
Final month, the wrestler’s household arrange a GoFundMe for him after his daughter, Nicole, revealed that he had a “devastating accident” in Could whereas he was in Florida for autograph signings.
“He underwent emergency surgical procedure that saved his leg and life however confronted extreme issues, together with sepsis and encephalitis,” Nicole wrote on the fundraiser web page.
“This unexpected disaster has positioned an immense monetary burden on his household, as Kevin has been out and in of consciousness within the ICU, removed from dwelling.
“Regardless of these challenges, Kevin has proven unbelievable resilience. Months later, he’s nonetheless preventing to regain his independence.”
The fundraiser, which has since been disabled, raised over $54,000 in donations for the household’s medical bills.
In WWE’s assertion, the group remembered Kevin as a “distinctive and influential determine in sports-entertainment historical past.”
TRIBUTES POUR IN
Wrestling stars and followers alike are paying tribute to Sullivan on social media.
“Kevin Sullivan had some of the distinctive minds within the historical past of our trade, pushing inventive boundaries and growing a number of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring,” Triple H wrote on X.
“He had an unwavering ardour for what we do. My ideas are along with his household, pals & followers.”
“I Am So Saddened To Hear About Kevin Sullivan’s Passing. Relaxation In Peace Kevin! You Have been An All Time Nice Athlete & Good friend!” Ric Aptitude mentioned.
WWE Corridor of Famer Mark Henry posted, “Prayers out to the household! RIP!”
On July 15, Nicole shared an replace to the GoFundMe saying that Sullivan was “regaining plenty of bodily energy.”
He had an unwavering ardour for what we do.”
Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque
“He does bodily and occupational remedy each day, with the aim and supreme hope that he regains his independence.”
A day earlier than Sullivan’s demise was introduced, Aptitude shared an encouraging message about him on X.
WWE remembers Kevin Sullivan
WWE launched a press release asserting Kevin Sullivan’s demise on Thursday morning.
“WWE is saddened to study Kevin Sullivan has handed away at age 74,” the message mentioned.
“A singular and influential determine in sports-entertainment historical past, Sullivan discovered success each within the ring and behind the scenes along with his penchant for much out concepts that pushed inventive boundaries.
“As a villain, Sullivan was a significant rival for the ring’s most legendary heroes, together with Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan and The Highway Warriors.
“He specialised in main harmful factions, which included his depraved Military of Darkness, collegiate bullies The Varsity Membership, and the wild Dungeon of Doom, which launched Huge Present to the wrestling world.
“The onetime ‘Taskmaster’ additionally grew to become a inventive pressure behind the scenes for WCW.
“WWE extends its condolences to Sullivan’s household, pals and followers.”
“Kevin Sullivan Has Been One Of My Closest Associates In The Enterprise,” Aptitude wrote.
“His Information Of All Sports activities, Not Simply Wrestling, Is Unparalleled. He Is One Of The Most Sensible Minds In The Historical past Of Our Enterprise.
“Kevin Led WCW To A 12 months And A Half Victory Over WWE, And Dealt With So Many Personalities Like Corridor, Nash, The NWO, Eric Bischoff, The Nature Boy Ric Aptitude, And Hulk Hogan!
“Keep Sturdy Kevin!!!! We Want You!”
GoFundMe web page
Kevin Sullivan’s daughter, Nicole, began a GoFundMe web page to lift donations for her dad’s medical bills.
“The Taskmaster wants your assist! Wrestling legend Kevin Sullivan is dealing with a crucial medical emergency and monetary disaster,” Nicole wrote on the fundraiser’s web page.
“On Could twelfth, 2024, whereas in Florida for autograph signings, Kevin suffered a devastating accident. He underwent emergency surgical procedure that saved his leg and life however confronted extreme issues, together with sepsis and encephalitis.
“This unexpected disaster has positioned an immense monetary burden on his household, as Kevin has been out and in of consciousness within the ICU, removed from dwelling.
“Regardless of these challenges, Kevin has proven unbelievable resilience. Months later, he’s nonetheless preventing to regain his independence,” Nicole continued.
“Even with a wonderful insurance coverage plan, the protection is sort of exhausted because of the size of keep.
“Kevin’s illustrious profession in wrestling spans six a long time, beginning within the late sixties. He thrived in Championship Wrestling from Florida, collaborating with legends like Mike Graham and Eddie Graham.
“Kevin continued to impression the wrestling world with WCW and thru numerous talking engagements, together with Vice TVs ‘Tales from the Territories’ and his weekly present on Conrad Thompson’s community, ‘Tuesday with the Taskmaster’.”
Nicole wrote that the GoFundMe was set as much as assist cowl the prices of:
Continued hospital expensesSkilled nursing careAcute and subacute occupational and bodily therapyRecurring medical expensesTransportation to return dwelling to his household
“Your help will assist Kevin return to what he loves most: entertaining followers along with his wealthy tales and huge information of wrestling.
“Any contribution, massive or small, will make a major distinction in Kevin’s restoration journey.
“Thanks to your generosity and help,” the message concluded.
The wrestler, whose profession spanned over six a long time, was finest recognized for his function as a promoter for WCW.
Sullivan is survived by his spouse, Linda, and 4 kids.
His household has but to talk out and his actual reason for demise stays unclear.