Windham Rotunda, known as WWE star Bray Wyatt, unexpectedly died at the age of 36, World Wrestling Entertainment announced on Thursday.
Rotunda died from a heart attack on Thursday, wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp posted on social media, saying Rotunda’s family gave him permission to share.
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“I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues,” Sapp wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”
WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.
WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pabVuaKlnP — WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2023
In the past several months, Rotunda had been absent from WWE due to an undisclosed health issue.
Rotunda, who had been with WWE since 2009 save for one year in 2021 when he was released, was known for his oratory ability, his creativity in the ring, and his general charisma that made fans flock to venues and TVs to witness his matches.
Friends and loved ones remembered their former competitor after learning of the crushing news on Thursday.
“I’m at a loss for words….I’m grateful to have witnessed his greatness and been around his sweet spirits, always so nice and kind, and willing to help. My prayers to all his family,” Daria Berenato (Sonya Deville) posted on social media.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared a touching tribute, remembering Rotunda for his “unique, cool and rare character.”
Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe.
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3 — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
“Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe,” he wrote. “Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy world of pro wrestling. Still processing losing the goat, Terry Funk yesterday and now Bray today. My love, light, strength & mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time. As always, ‘thank you for the house’ #ohana.”
Fans also remembered the last time they saw Rotunda in the ring.
Bray Wyatt’s last in-ring TV appearance was alongside his brother as they came in and took out Hit Row.
The crowd then started chanting “THANK YOU, BRAY”
Looking back—this was truly a special moment. ❤️
pic.twitter.com/CcYFi5gfJX — 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) August 25, 2023
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Rotunda is survived by his wife, former WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman, their two children, and two other children he had from a previous marriage. He was a two-time former WWE Universal champion and former WWE champion.
WWE started a donation for Rotunda’s family, with the description under Wyatt’s merchandise on the incorporation’s shop reading, “In the wake of Bray Wyatt’s death, WWE will donate all net proceeds to support JoJo Offerman and Bray’s children.”