The 71-year-old former pro wrestler was hit by a truck when he ran across a busy road in Ross Township, PA.
- Apr 5, 2018
AceShowbiz - Professional wrestling legend "Lucious" Johnny Valiant has passed away. The former WWE Hall of Famer was killed after being hit by a truck while crossing a busy North Hills road in Ross Township, PA on Wednesday, April 4. He was 71.
According to police, the former pro wrestler was struck by an oncoming truck on McKnight Road at around 5 A.M. and was not using the crosswalk. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Ross Township Det. Brian Kohlhepp tells WPXI, "We do have witnesses. There was other traffic on McKnight [Road] at the time, so we were able to speak with people who actually witnessed the accident." Kohlhepp adds, "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."
Following the news of his sudden death, WWE has released a statement which reads, "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Luscious' Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71." It adds, "WWE extends its condolences to Valiant's family, friends and fans."
Active pro wrestler Luke Gallows has also paid tribute, writing on Twitter, "R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant....Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career."
R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant....Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career.
— Luke Gallows (@LukeGallowsWWE) April 5, 2018
Another WWE wrestler, Sean Waltman, adds, "Johnny Valiant's #WWEHOF acceptance speech is one of the best ever. #ripjohnnyv."
Johnny Valiant's #WWEHOF acceptance speech is one of the best ever. #ripjohnnyv
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) April 5, 2018
Valiant, whose real name was Thomas Sullivan, began his wrestling career in 1969. He won the World Tag Team Championships with James Fanning a.k.a. "Handsome" Jimmy as The Valiant Brothers in 1974.
In 1979, he partnered with "Gentleman" Jerry Valiant, whose real name was John Hill, and went on to win the World Tag Team Championships. After retiring from active competition, he managed wrestlers, such as Hulk Hogan, in the early 1980s. He and "Handsome" Jimmy were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
His wrestling career aside, he appeared on multiple episodes of "The Sopranos" and "Law & Order". A documentary and sequel featuring Johnny Valiant, Jimmy Valiant and indy wrestlers Sky Hosoya and Larry Brisco called "The Absolute Truth About Pro Wrestling (Parts 1 and 2)" was released in 2008.
