Breaking News: Leon White (Big Van Vader) Passes Away

Leon White (Big Van Vader) passed away on Monday night due to complications from pneumonia according to statements issued by his son on Twitter.

White was 63 years old.

White’s son wrote:

“Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time.”

White, a former WCW and IWGP Heavyweight Champion, had been battling health issues in recent years, including undergoing heart surgery in early May.

Two years ago, White revealed publicly that he had congestive heart failure and was told that that he had around two years to live as a result of the diagnosis. He first underwent open heart surgery back in March and was forced to another surgery in May. White was then hospitalized in April noting he was having trouble breathing.

Big Van Vader@itsvadertime

It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm.

WWE issued the following statement after news of Leon White (Vader) passing away went public earlier this morning via tweets from his son.

WWE is saddened to learn that Leon White, better known to WWE audiences as Vader, passed away Monday night at the age of 63.

White began his sports-entertainment career in the mid-1980s after retiring from the NFL due to injury. He rose to national prominence in Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association before joining New Japan Pro Wrestling as the masked Big Van Vader. He went on to become one of the promotion’s biggest stars and most feared competitors.

Vader then transitioned to World Championship Wrestling, where he would make the biggest mark of his career. He engaged in memorable rivalries with the likes of Sting and Ron Simmons, becoming a dominant, three-time WCW World Champion in the process.

In 1996, Vader joined the WWE roster, where he squared off against Superstars such as Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. He also found success on the small screen with a recurring guest role on the popular 1990s television program, “Boy Meets World.”

WWE extends its condolences to White’s family, friends and fans.

Opinionated View- One of the greatest big man/monsters ever. He was also one of the first bigger guys to do athletic moves. RIP Vader.

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