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WWE Hall of Famer Johnny "Luscious" Valiant Has Passed Away
He was involved in a fatal auto accident
WWE legendary wrestler Johnny "Luscious" Valiant has died.
The wrestler died after being hit by a truck while crossing the road in his hometown of Ross Township, Penn. He was 71 years old and the event has been ruled an accident.
"The driver of the truck stayed here on the scene. There's no indication that this was anything other than a terrible accident at this point, but we're still investigating," Detective Brian Kohlhepp told local news station WPXI.
Remember the celebrities who have passed in 2018
Valiant was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 after beginning his career in the ring in the 1960s. He was one half of The Valiant Brothers with James Fanning and became a World Tag Team Championship winner.
The wrestler also built a career outside of the ring, managing superstar Hulk Hogan and other wrestlers' careers. He then moved his talents to acting, grabbing roles in The Sopranos and a part in the Academy Award-winning movie The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke.
The WWE, fellow wrestlers and fans inspired by Luscious took to Twitter to express their condolences.
Remembering the late, great WWE Hall of Famer "Luscious" Johnny Valiant... pic.twitter.com/ov8AquG2gf
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2018
Very sorry to hear of WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Valiant's passing. Loved Luscious Johnny as a wrestler & manager - and will never forget his commentary during the third match of my career. https://t.co/VllbtiQCOB
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) April 5, 2018
RIP MY BROTHER JOHNNY VALIANT
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 5, 2018
R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant....Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career.
— Luke Gallows (@LukeGallowsWWE) April 5, 2018
We were saddened to hear of his passing.
— Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard (@PrichardShow) April 5, 2018
Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of "Luscious" Johnny Valiant. pic.twitter.com/syOA0OiuCa