You look into their eyes and wonder if the decision had already been made. Ric Flair and Bret Hart A War of Words! Jack Adkisson found his son's body in a blackberry vine thicket on the family's 140-acre ranch in this community of Denton County north of Fort Worth. Kerry Von Erich was one of the biggest stars the independent scene had created. [30] The title was held up due to the Freebirds winning after interference by Killer Khan. His first son died at age 7 in 1959. Sadly, his move to WWE only worsened his growing personal problems and by the time he left, he only had a short time left to live. 2-year-old girl suffered extensive injuries. FORT WORTH, Texas -- The medical examiner says popular professional wrestler Kerry Von Erich had alcohol and cocaine in his system when he killed himself last month near the family's north Texas farm. Wrestling afficianado. The elder Adkisson said his son had been despondent recently because of the legal problems and had frequently mentioned taking his own life. Officers say the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Kerry returned to Dallas to compete in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), where he began teaming with former arch-rival Chris Adams. It was perhaps the premiere wrestling organization in the United States, and a Von Erich was all set to rule it with an iron fist. Von Erich would later have the foot amputated, but returned to the ring At SummerSlam, Tornado substituted for the injured Brutus Beefcake and defeated Mr. The father said the amputation came a year after it was severely injured in a 1986 motorcycle accident. If you like wrestling, you should try online games. Photos like this always haunt me - similar to the last pics of Benoit and Robin Williams with fans. Adkisson, the youngest of the three remaining sons, was found by family members Thursday night. April 27 (UPI) -- A Sydney, Australia, woman is trying to solve a mystery after hundreds of dollars' worth of drinks, including Gatorade, Powerade, Coke and Fanta started showing up at her home. [40][41] In 1990, Kerry feuded violently with Matt Borne, who turned heel during a ringside interview; during one match, the two battled outside the Sportatorium into the parking lot during a thunderstorm. "This time he said, 'I love you, Dad,' " the father said, losing his composure and wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. In order to remain on kayfabe terms, Adams and Kerry wrestled as a tag team two days later in San Antonio, since the heel turn had not aired on television yet. There are several schools of thought about what actually happened to David Von Erich, though the official report states that it was acute enteritis. and several fans saw that he had no foot). It's sad that his dreams were dashed because of physical ailments, but there are other facets of wrestling that he could have succeeded in. In fact, he felt comfortable enough to sit with me in a hotel and shoot the breeze with his prosthetic off". WebKerry Von Erich's Tragic Death In 1993 Came After A Disappointing WWE Run Kerry Von Erich was a huge star in World Class Championship Wrestling. Kerry Von Erich NWA Title Defense VS Terry Gordy aired He found the body partially hidden in the thicket. PWSTees.com Your favorite Pro Wrestling Stories, on a tee! Kerry has the 12th shortest NWA World title reign in history. Unfortunately, this would be the only title that a Von Erich brother would win in the WWE. Unlike some of his other brothers, Mike never achieved the level of success or adoration that they got. April 28 (UPI) -- A British piercing enthusiast broke his own Guinness World Record when the number of flesh tunnels in his face increased to 17. [19] This culminated in a historic feud between the Von Erichs and the Freebirds that lasted for over five years. While it is rumored that David was the only one to overdose, the other brothers' drug use in no way helped them through the depression that each faced. Unlike his brothers who were larger men that possessed tremendous athletic gifts, Chris was only 5'5", and he had suffered from asthma his entire life. The elder Adkisson also said 'Kerry never got over the loss of any one of his brothers. Adkisson held forty championships in various promotions during his career. Kerry Von Erich - Biography - IMDb [21][26] On December 25, Kerry defeated Kamala by disqualification. [46] Von Erich lost this match, and the title to Perfect due to interference from Ted DiBiase. Beginning with their first son, it seemed that no Von Erich son was safe from living a short life on this earth, and each passing death of a Von Erich brother left holes in the wrestling community. Instead of going to jail, Kerry returned home to his father's ranch and died by suicide, firing one single bullet into his heart. [18] On December 25, Kerry got his next title shot against Flair in a no disqualification steel cage match, with Michael "P.S." His attorney, Grey Pierson, said the show would still go on fTC without his star, explaining, "In the past, when things like this have happened, when his brothers died, he insisted that it go on. The first resulted in probation and the second saw Kerry facing significant time in prison. The wire electrocuted the young boy, and he fell into a puddle. It is a tragic tale that can serve as a warning for those interested in getting into wrestling. David Von Erich left behind a wife and a daughter from a previous marriage. Funeral arrangements will be announced later, Jack Adkisson said. Perfect in a rematch on the December 15 (taped November 19) edition of Superstars. [35] On December 31, the Von Erichs defeated Hernandez, Roberts, and Adams to regain their NWA Six-Man Tag Team Title. Their father was a football lineman for Southern Methodist and the Dallas Texans, but turned to wrestling after being injured. No one was bigger than Kerry Von Erich at the time. . When he beat Ric Flair for the NWA World Championship, it was clear Flair carried the match, but all Kerry had to do was hit his moves and show his smile, and the fans ate it up. Regardless of the actual circumstances, David Von Erichs death left a major hole in the wrestling community, and it kicked off a string of tragedies that would plague the Von Erich brothers throughout the next decade. The Texas Tornado had a monster physique to go along with his good looks, and fans quickly grew to love his work in the ring. "Owen and I were deeply saddened, but who could be surprised? He was only waiting for God to tell him when. The champion Ric Flair intentionally got disqualified to retain the title. The pressures of the business can be too much for some to overcome, and with the Von Erichs, it cost them their lives. Mil Mscaras No Yob! Prima Donna or Misunderstood Superhero? Sure, he was a Von Erich, but he was never able to be the star that David was. Year by year, Doris Von Erich has taken down the pictures and posters. During the recovery process, Von Erichs wife, Catherine, gave birth to their second daughter, Lacey, on July 17th. WebSHADY SHORES, TEXAS SHADY SHORES, Texas -- Wrestler Kerry Von Erich Adkisson, member of a star-crossed wrestling family that had already lost four of its sons, Von Erich worked for various promotions working for All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, UWF Mid-South, Championship Wrestling From Florida, and Central States Wrestling. A publication all about taking longer form looks at the world of professional wrestling. I remembered my mom telling me about the first Von Erich son whod died. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match", "Ric Flair (spot No. Me And You And A Dog Named Boo What The Sweet Song Is Really About, 9 Unforgettable MTV Unplugged Performances. In a span of just 6 years, 3 Von Erich brothers would take their own life due to the pressures of the wrestling industry. Von Erich was also part of a rare legitimate title unification match, dropping the WCWA world title to the then-AWA World Champion, Jerry The King Lawler, at SuperClash III again, after his injury. Von Erich and his family would claim he had his ankle fused to account for the lack of Losing a family member is always difficult to deal with, but losing a young child has to carry an immense amount of pain with it. However he now found himself as an opening card act programmed against low level competition like Barry Horowitz, Kato, and Skinner. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [16] On June 4, Von Erich defeated former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race, elevating him to main event status.[17]. He appeared briefly as a prisoner in Problem Child. two-lane highway while wearing shorts and no shoes. April 28 (UPI) -- Animal services officers in South Carolina responded to a home where a resident was shocked to find an alligator in his garage. admit that he was wrestling without a foot, despite rumors about it circulating "The Yellow Rose of Texas" was the third Von Erich son born to father Fritz, and he was considered the best all-around wrestler of the family. He killed himself a few days following this event. Each brother's death no doubt had a massive impact on the ones who remained alive until they inevitably took their own life. He continued wrestling after the accident with a prosthesis and kept the amputation secret to the majority of fans and fellow wrestlers, even going to the extreme of showering with his boots on. definitive answer as to whether Von Erich lost the foot at the time of the He apparently used a gun he had given his father two Christmases ago. Pro Wrestler's Suicide Continues Family's Tragedy - Tulsa World Kerry started feuding with the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair. Check out these recent photos of former TNA Knockout Lacey Von Erich: With Kerry Von Erich also dying by suicide in 1993, Kevin Von Erich was the last brother left alive. "Kerry could never learn to cope with the loss of any of his brothers," Jack Adkisson said. In 1985, Von Erich spent nearly a month in Baylor University Medical Center, where he was treated for the bacterial infection known as toxic shock syndrome. Fritz Von Erich, born Jack Adkisson, was trained by Stu Hart and became a huge wrestling star in the NWA and AWA wrestling promotions. [1][2][29] He lost the belt 18 days later in Yokosuka, Japan, back to Flair in a bout that was marred by controversy: Von Erich's feet were on the bottom rope following a reversed rollup, but the referee ignored this and made the count. WebFORT WORTH, Texas -- The medical examiner says popular professional wrestler Kerry Von Erich had alcohol and cocaine in his system when he killed himself last month near His wife was due to have their second child later that summer, and he was one of the top stars in professional wrestling. Bret told Kerry that his living daughters would need him more than his late brothers. On August 15, he got his very first shot at the NWA title against Flair in a two out of three falls match, which Flair won to retain the title. Instead, on February 18th, 1993, he took his own life, firing a single bullet into his heart while at his fathers ranch in Denton County, Texas. Photos Von Erich, 33, was the fifth brother from the legendary wrestling family to die and the third to commit suicide. As one of the most infamous families in all of professional wrestling, the Von Erichs made names for themselves in the 1980s before death began to follow each brother like a shadow. With the place alongside the pantheon of other wrestling greats solidified, the Von Erichs will truly be remembered as one of the greatest wrestling families that the world has ever known. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). [8] They would meet at an interpromotional event called SuperClash III to settle the dispute. Wrestling for Fritz Von Erichs World Class Championship Wrestling was an interesting time for Terry Taylor. 12 Tragic Details About The Death Of The Von Erich Brothers Kevin received rings for his father, Fritz, as well as each of his brothers. We want to study the impact of the squared circle on the talent, the fans and the world at large. According to reports, Jack was playing outside when he came into contact with a wire that was attached to an electric fence. Bobby Mathews is a contributor for Pro Wrestling Stories as well as a veteran journalist whose byline has appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Birmingham News, The Denver Post, as well as other newspapers around the country. Mr. Adkisson hadn't seen his son for two weeks until 1:30 p.m. yesterday, when he came to the house and hugged his father for the last time. Despite five of the Von Erich brothers dying throughout the years, there is still one brother that remains alive. Honorary Von Erich "Gentleman" Chris Adams then became the Sportatorium's main headliner, feuding with Pringle, Steve Austin, and Jeanie Clarke. Sadly, Kerry's career would be littered with ups and downs, and his lowest valleys were something that few could deal with. An apparent suicide note was found by authorities after he was found shot in the head. After leaving a suicide note for his family to find, Mike seemingly disappeared to take his own life. Among the many of them were two arrests, the first of which resulted in probation. Currently, the third generation of Von Erichs are wrestling professionally, though none have performed in the WWE. His amputation was kept secret from the public until after his death. However, he contracted toxic shock syndrome, which devastated his body. She would On December 25, Kerry again got a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a title he had lost many months ago. While undefeated against them in multiple matches, Von Erich was unable to move back up into contention as he suffered several losses against Rick Martel, Nailz, and Kamala. He was brilliant in the ring, and was exceptional on the microphone as well. Kerry Von Erich was a huge star in World Class Championship Wrestling. His depression wouldn't subside, and he was heading down a very dark path. Jeremy Allen White Added 40 Pounds of Muscle to Play Pro I feel sorry for him as well as his family. If you are unfamiliar with this family, then get ready to learn some truly tragic facts about the Von Erichs. April 28 (UPI) -- An isolated private island off the coast of Scotland is for sale with an asking price of about $188,000. Nevertheless, the Von Erich family lost another member, and the wrestling community couldn't help but stop and stare at the pain that plagued the family. WebThis is rumored to be the last photo taken with Kerry. He was destined to become a future world champion and the NWA had big plans for the Yellow Rose of Texas. ``Chris has been living on the farm with them. "Kerry's had a drug problem since that accident, and no one was ever about to tell why. Imagine feeling pressured to do something that you have little interest in and nearly dying because of it. The same thing took Mike Von Erich on April 12, 1987. Theirs is a story that couldn't have been written by even the most talented authors. David, considered by many to be the best wrestler, died in 1984 at age 25 of an inflamed intestine during a wrestling tour of Japan. with a prosthetic foot and continued his career. [58] They had two daughters, Hollie Brooke (born September 19, 1984) and Lacey (born July 17, 1986). WebThe Von Erich home, as big as a Ramada Inn, holds few mementos of the familys wrestling legacy. His brothers, David, Kevin, Mike, and Chris, were also wrestlers. DEATH Kerry was not wearing a helmet or any protective gear. [27], Kerry's biggest career highlight was on May 6, 1984, when he beat "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in a historic match, in front of over 45,000 fans at Texas Stadium to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The physical and emotional toll of it all led Kerry to become addicted to prescription drugs. Regardless of the actual circumstances, David Von Erich's death left a major hole in the wrestling community, and it kicked off a string of tragedies that would plague the Von Erich brothers throughout the next decade. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, and Tito Santana against Colonel Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner, and Hercules. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The tragedy started early, and it never ended up until Fritz's death from lung cancer in 1997. 1986 - Kerry Von Erich is involved in a motorcycle accident in Argyle, These days, Kevin Von Erich, the last surviving brother, lives a quiet life in Hawaii, far away from their home in Texas. Outside of brothers David and Kevin, Kerry was the only Von Erich brother to compete under the bright lights of the WWE. They may have helped him decide to take his life,however, "Because when one in the family does it, it makes it a whole lot easier for another one to do it. At the time of Jacks death, only 2 other Von Erich brothers were alive, and the oldest wasnt even 2 when his brother died. The Von Erichs made names for themselves in the 1980s before death began to follow each brother like a shadow. This was the case for the Von Erich patriarch Fritz, who buried all but 1 of his children. On February 22nd, Owen and I flew to Texas for Kerrys funeral, held in the local Baptist church. WebKerry in happier times, as NWA Texas 6-Man Tag Team Champion with brothers Kevin and David. The telephone number at the family farm is unlisted. For example, Kerry Von Erich (actually, there was no such thing as a Von Erich; his real name was Kerry Adkisson) shot himself in When he died, Von Erich was on 10 years probation for a September drug conviction and had been indicted on a cocaine possession charge earlier in the week. The next Von Erich brother to fall victim to the pressures of the wrestling industry was Chris, who was the youngest of all the Von Erichs. Kerry Von Erich left behind two daughters, Hollie Brooke and Lacey, the later of which went on to become a professional wrestler herself for a short time. Wrestling, abuse and death: the twisted tale of the Von Erich WWE made two Hall of Fame rings with Kerry Von Erich's name inscribed on the interior which were presented by Kevin Von Erich to Kerry's daughters, Hollie and Lacey, attending with their mother Cathy (Kerry's ex-wife). When they lowered Kerrys casket into the earth, I couldnt help but think, Well see you at the gates, brother.'. The Von Erich Curse: Kerry Von Erich Passes Away 25 Years Ago [6][10] He debuted in his father's promotion, NWA Texas/Big Time Wrestling on May 7, 1978, against Paul Perschmann. But even after that, Von Erich went on to the WWE, debuting as the Texas Tornado and getting into high-profile feuds with other gifted grapplers, such as Mr. Kerry Gene Adkisson (February 3, 1960 February 18, 1993),[1][2] better known by his ring name Kerry Von Erich, was an American professional wrestler. Find out how to play and win at top paying online casino NZ from our guide. Only four hours after finding his son's body, Jack Adkisson stood on the front porch of his A-frame home and calmly spoke to reporters about his son. April 28 (UPI) -- A lost dog in Northern Ireland was found 26 days later after walking more than 40 miles to the home of his former owners. And she was his little girl. To better understand the death of the Von Erich brothers, you would need to take a look back to the family's first brush with loss. Tragedy waited around each corner for this family, and despite their talents in the ring, personal demons from mounting pressure and drug abuse led to the demise of what could have been wrestling's most dominant family. Beginning with their first son, it seemed that no Von Erich son was safe from living a short life on this earth, and each passing death of a Von Erich brother left holes in the wrestling community. People forget how athletic the Von Erich boys were even a diminished Kerry Von Erich was still an incredibly gifted athlete. Kerry Von Erich: Devastating Final Days of 'The Texas Tornado' "I found that Jeep empty, durn it," he said. Nebraska students toss water balloons for Guinness World Record. As was mentioned earlier, Kerry was the only Von Erich that spent a great deal of time in the WWE, winning the Intercontinental Title during his time with the promotion. WebKerry Von Erich Original Name Kerry Adkisson Birth 3 Feb 1960 Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, USA Death 18 Feb 1993 (aged 33) Denton, Denton County, Texas, [25], On December 2, the Von Erichs defeated the Freebirds for their second NWA Six-Man Tag Team Championship. WebKerry Von Erich's NWA Championship Defenses. David had unexpectedly died just three months prior in Japan at only 25 years old. WebThese undue pressures can lead to suicide. [42] While WWF announcers didn't openly mention Kerry's past accomplishments, they did acknowledge that he was a veteran superstar who didn't have to prove anything to anyone. Outside of his numerous in-ring accomplishments, Kerry had even acted in films. He was relegated to a house show feud with Skinner in which he came out victorious; in February he began a house show series with Rick Martel and was winless. Kerry was also a standout in high school track and field and possessed a record-breaking discus throw. [23] On September 5, the brothers took on the Fabulous Freebirds in a rematch for the titles; the Freebirds retained their titles by pinning Kerry. Kerry Adkisson took his own life on February 18th, 1993, at the family ranch. The couple divorced on April 22, 1992.[58]. While he still had his chiseled body and big smile, there was something different, something missing. However, many people believe that David died of a drug overdose, and that his friend and fellow wrestler Bruiser Brody got rid of the evidence. Born to father Fritz Von Erich, the 6 boys that he raised all had lives that seemed filled with tragedy. The wire electrocuted the young boy, and he fell into a puddle. "He was always in pain, walking on that foot," he said. interviews and more by clicking here! [5] In Big Time Wrestling, he held many Texas Tag Team and American Tag Team titles. The accident was so severe and Kerry was so impatient that his condition worsened to the point that he had to have a foot amputated. Kerry Von Erich was one of the biggest stars in the territories, but thanks to an accident and personal issues, he ended up taking his own life. Visit Shawn Lealos' website to learn more about his novel writing and follow him on Twitter @sslealos. He allowed me to think Id made him change his mind, but I feared it was only lip service. the WWE World Tag Team Title in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, starting Billy & Tragic Details About The Death Of The Von Erich Brothers