WWE legend 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61.
Piper began his career in the American Wrestling Association, enjoying a five-year career in the National Wrestling Alliance and a further three years in the Georgia Championship Wrestling before his move to the WWE in 1984.
He spent 12 years in the company and featured in several high-profile matches at WrestleMania, earning him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Piper returned for guest appearances, although he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2006 which he revealed last year he managed to overcome.
However, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in his sleep in his home in Los Angeles on Thursday.
His spokesperson said: "I am devastated at this news. Rod was a good friend as well as a client and one of the most generous, sincere and authentic people I have ever known. This is a true loss to us all."
WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon said on Twitter: "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."
Piper is survived by his wife Kitty and four children.
Simon Sinclair
