Former skilled wrestling champion Jimmy Rave, whose legs had been amputated as a consequence of an MRSA an infection, has died at 39, his agent stated on Tuesday.
The New York Submit experiences Rave, whose actual identify was James Michael Guffey, began within the ring professionally in 1999, later turning into a two-time Nationwide Wresting Alliance (NWA) junior heavyweight champ. He additionally appeared in matches for Complete Non-Cease Motion Wrestling and Ring of Honour, in addition to WWE-produced “Sunday Night time Warmth”.
“James had been combating drug dependancy for a few years,” Rave’s agent, Invoice Behrens, stated in a press release written with assist from the wrestler’s daughter, Kailah Guffey. “His struggles resulted within the amputation of his arm and, later, each of his legs.”
MRSA is a bacterium than can infect totally different elements of the physique as is hard to deal with as a result of it’s immune to some frequent antibiotics.
Rave’s explanation for demise wasn’t instantly clear. The Atlanta native had been residing in Philadelphia on the time of his passing, Behrens stated. A memorial service will likely be held in Georgia, with particulars to be launched at a later date.
Rave revealed in October that he began having hassle strolling months earlier, prompting him to go to a surgeon.
“He decided I had MRSA in each legs & they wanted to be amputated instantly,” Rave tweeted. “Promoters can let you know together with my friends, I’ve had a historical past w/ this and would cancel reveals usually as a consequence of this situation.”
Rave went on to say professional wrestling was “all I ever cherished” whereas talking on to his followers.
“Sorry I fell in need of your expectations,” Rave tweeted. “I attempted … I actually did.”
In November 2020, Rave stated his 21-year ring profession was “successfully” over when a health care provider discovered an an infection in his left arm, which wanted to be amputated above the elbow.
“This was the toughest factor I’ve ever needed to sort,” Rave tweeted. “Please take your well being way more severely than I did. Help professional wrestling!”
Rave’s demise despatched shockwaves by the wrestling neighborhood, prompting many tributes on-line.
“The NWA is saddened to listen to of the passing of former Jr. Heavyweight Champion Jimmy Rave,” the organisation tweeted. “Our ideas are along with his family and friends throughout this time.”
Wrestling legend Mick Foley, who beforehand helped increase cash for Rave’s medical prices, shared a photograph of his good friend from the ring in his prime.
“This actually hurts,” Foley tweeted. “He was solely 39.”
Rave’s daughter has launched a fundraiser to honour the fallen star and offset his funeral prices. The general public attraction had garnered $AUD4160 as of Wednesday.
“The final time I talked to him, he advised me how a lot he cherished me and the way he was so pleased with me for following my goals to grow to be a instructor,” Guffey wrote. “I’m so grateful that I used to be in a position to have that as our final dialog.”
Rave is survived by his ex-wife, daughter Kailah, son James and his dad and mom, Jim and Toni Guffey.
This text first appeared on the New York Submit and was reproduced with permission