Pro wrestler Eddie Guerrero-dead at 38

Don’t know how many of you out there watch WWE Wrestling - I’ve watched it on and off throughout the last few years. For those who do, I just read over at MSNBC.com that pro-wrestler Eddie Guerrero is dead:

MINNEAPOLIS – A World Wrestling Entertainment star was found dead in his hotel room Sunday in Minneapolis, where he was scheduled to appear that evening in a WWE show.

Eduardo Gory Guerrero, 38, didn’t respond to a wake-up call Sunday morning, authorities said. His nephew, fellow WWE wrestler Chavo Guerrero, and hotel security at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center forced their way into the room and found him.

There were no apparent signs of foul play, police said. An autopsy was planned to determine how Guerrero died.

His nephew said Guerrero was open about past drug and alcohol abuse but had been sober for four years. Guerrero was married and had three children.

Guerrero’s death continues a disturbing and sad trend that continues to plague pro-wrestling – check this USA Today article from March 2004 for more on the rising number of young pro-wrestler deaths.

Charlotte, NC was the home of the NWA – known in the 80’s as the National Wrestling Alliance, owned by the Crockett family. If I remember my history correctly, the Crocketts’ sold the NWA to Ted Turner’s TBS Superstation in the late 80s. I remember as a young teenager in the 80s going to wrestling matches every two or three weeks at the old Charlotte Coliseum. I never saw Guerrero wrestle live, but on TV he was not only a great wrestler but a fantastic showman.

I wish Mr. Guerrero’s family peace and strength, and prayers go out to them at this difficult time.

Tuesday Update: Welcome, Eddie Guerrero fans. I am getting major hits from the Yahoo News search engine.