WWE legend Johnny Valiant, who was a two-time World Tag Team champion, died Wednesday morning after he was hit by a truck.
Valiant, born Tommy Sullivan, was killed in Ross Township, Pennsylvania, as he was crossing a street at 5:30 a.m., TMZ reported. He was 71 years old.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer “Luscious” Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71. https://t.co/vNfhyVo3Pb
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2018
He was taken to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
Valiant, known as “Luscious,” is perhaps better known as the manager for WWE superstars like Hulk Hogan, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Dino Bravo, and Demolition. He also worked as a color commentator, Yahoo News noted.
R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant….Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career.
— Luke Gallows (@LukeGallowsWWE) April 5, 2018
Johnny Valiant's #WWEHOF acceptance speech is one of the best ever. #ripjohnnyv
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) April 5, 2018
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame decades ago.
In more recent years, he worked as an actor as well as a stand-up comedian, Us Weekly noted. He appeared on multiple episodes of “The Sopranos” and “Law & Order.”
According to the WWE’s Twitter feed, “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer ‘Luscious’ Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71.”
Other details about his death were not revealed.
Foul play is not suspected, police told Triblive.
“At this point in the investigation, there is no indication that this was anything other than a terrible accident,” Ross Detective Brian Kohlhepp said.
We were saddened to hear of his passing.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of “Luscious” Johnny Valiant. pic.twitter.com/syOA0OiuCa
— Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard (@PrichardShow) April 5, 2018
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