Darren Drozdov, who carried out in WWE and performed within the NFL, has died at 54 years previous.
Drozdov, who glided by the ring title “Droz”, wrestled in WWE within the late Nineties and performed nostril deal with within the NFL, showing in six video games for the Broncos in 1993, the NY Publish experiences.
He turned a quadriplegic after struggling an accident within the WWE ring in 1999 the place he was on the receiving finish of a powerbomb gone unsuitable.
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“We’re unhappy to share our beloved Darren handed away this morning of pure causes. There aren’t any phrases to convey the deep sense of loss and unhappiness we’re feeling proper now,” Drozdov’s household stated in a press release.
The household stated that he saved an upbeat temperament regardless of his accident.
“Droz maintained a championship mindset and lived day by day to the fullest though he was unable to maneuver from the neck down for the previous 24 years,” the assertion continued.
“His personal phrases sum up his relentless positivity within the midst of adversity: ‘There may be at all times one other day. Simply because I’m paralysed and caught in a wheelchair, doesn’t imply my life is over. I’ve discovered to dwell once more, and my life is much from over.’”
After information of the previous wrestler’s loss of life, tributes started pouring in.
“Man I’m so sorry to listen to one in all our ring brothers has handed away. Darren Drozdov aka Droz,” tweeted Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
“We wrestled on a variety of playing cards collectively. Such an superior dude. Nice character and nice wrestling expertise. We at all times talked about soccer and fishing. Sending love, power, mana and light-weight to his household. RIP brother,” the retired skilled wrestler and American actor added.
“So unhappy to listen to in regards to the loss of life of Darren Drozdov right this moment. Discuss man being dealt a foul hand. Godspeed,” tweeted longtime Wrestling Observer Publication writer Dave Meltzer.
His household’s assertion thanked followers, co-workers and WWE for his or her assist.
“We lived this journey with him over the previous 24 years. We had been at all times there by means of the great occasions and the dangerous, and offered him with our unconditional love. We wish to prolong our deepest appreciation to everybody,” the assertion continued.
“All of his followers, teammates, colleagues, and buddies for all of the love and assist he obtained through the years. You all gave him that means, goal and one thing to dwell for. He liked every one in all you and cherished the conversations, notes and letters he obtained. His religion in humanity by no means faltered, so know that for all of the love you’ve proven him, he liked you again.
“We additionally would additionally prefer to thank WWE for treating him like household, and for all of their love, assist and stepping as much as be sure that Darren at all times had the right care and therapy wanted to dwell in his situation over the previous 24 years.”
The assertion concluded with notes about his selflessness and radiating love.
“He was a loyal son, brother, and good friend who had at all times put others first, particularly his household. He was type, beneficiant and was at all times there for his individuals. He was our guiding mild who lit up our lives with infinite love and marvel,” the assertion stated.
“His smile was therapeutic. His heat, love, and laughter had been infectious. We may at all times flip to him for knowledge and solace and his absence looks like an enormous gap in our household and our hearts. Everybody who knew Darren was a greater particular person due to it.
“He taught everybody a lot about how to take a look at life: easy methods to put issues in perspective, easy methods to overcome adversity, and easy methods to present compassion for others. He wouldn’t need anybody to be unhappy at this second and would wish to this to be a celebration of his life, to be remembered for all the good issues that he completed, the enjoyable, the laughter, the good recollections he shared with everybody.”
This text initially appeared on the NY Publish and was reproduced with permission.