Doink the Clown, a former WWE professional wrestler, has died at 55, according to reports.
His girlfriend found Doink, real name Matt Osborne, dead in her home in Texas, where he was staying, according to the Toronto Sun. The story was first reported on by TMZ.
Details of his death, including the cause, were unclear.
The WWE released a statement on his death: “Reports indicate that Matt Osborne, aka the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. A rugged brawler in promotions like Mid-South Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, Osborne made a major impact in WWE under the greasepaint of a prankster named Doink — one of the most enduring personas of the early ’90s.”
“WWE is saddened by the news of Osborne’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne’s family, friends and fans,” it continues.
During his time with the WWE, he portrayed as a malicious clown who played tricks on other wrestlers. He left the organization in 1993 due to substance abuse problems, according to Deadspin.com.
The character Doink the Clown was portrayed by other wrestlers until 1995.
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