Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Ultimate Warrior
1959 - 2014
Ultimate Warrior
1959 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1959
DIED
2014
Ultimate Warrior Obituary
The WWE said Warrior, who legally changed his name from James Hellwig to his wrestling moniker, died Tuesday. Scottsdale, Ariz., police spokesman Sgt. Mark Clark said he collapsed while walking with his wife to their car at a hotel and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
See photos of Ultimate Warrior and more great wrestlers in our Legends of Wrestling photo gallery.
There were no signs of foul play, Clark said. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy Thursday, county spokeswoman Cari Gerchick said.
Hellwig was one of pro wrestling's biggest stars in the late 1980s. He beat Hulk Hogan in a memorable match at Wrestlemania in 1990.
He was in the spotlight again earlier this week, making appearances at the latest WrestleMania in New Orleans and on "Monday Night Raw," and being inducted into the WWE Hall of fame.
"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," WWE said in a statement, adding: "We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame."
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon tweeted: "We are all so sad the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters."
The Ultimate Warrior personified the larger-than-life cartoon characters who helped skyrocket the WWE into the mainstream in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Warrior dressed in face paint, had tassels dangling from his super-sized biceps and sprinted to the ring when his theme song hit. He'd shake the ropes and grunt and howl while the crowd went wild for the popular good guy.
He made his debut with the promotion when it was known as the World Wrestling Federations in 1987 and wrestled on and off for the sports entertainment empire until 1996.
The Ultimate Warrior became the first wrestler to defeat Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania when he used his finishing splash for the pin. He won the championship in front of 67,678 fans at Toronto's SkyDome in a match billed as "The Ultimate Challenge."
The Ultimate Warrior would defeat Randy "Macho Man" Savage the next year at WrestleMania. Savage, who died in 2011, Hogan and Warrior were all enormous personalities with gaudy costumes and memorable catchphrases. They led the WWE's transformation from a promotion running weekend arena shows and Saturday morning TV into one booking events at the largest stadiums around the world with millions watching every Monday night. More than 5.1 million viewers watched Warrior's final appearance Monday night on "Raw."
The Ultimate Warrior had a falling out with the WWE and did not appear on its TV shows after July 8, 1996, until last weekend. He reconciled with McMahon and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He also made an appearance on "Raw" and shook the ropes one final time in front of another crowd that went wild for the Warrior.
"Speak to me, Warriors!" he bellowed, as the New Orleans crowd chanted his name.
Warrior put on a mask that resembled his famous face paint and cut a promo about 24 hours before his death that seems eerie now.
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own," Warrior said. "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others, it makes them bleed deeper and something larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized."
____
Associated Press Writer Paul Davenport in Phoenix contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
765 Entries
Donnie Mcfadden
December 23, 2024
he was a great wrestlening legand
Jason Hinojosa
September 8, 2023
Warrior!
You were a huge part of my childhood! Thank you for bringing joy to my youth! You truly were the best to ever do it!
Rest in Paradise!
Jason Hinojosa
Sherry
July 22, 2023
Thank You Ultimate Warrior for making my childhood great. I always enjoyed your entrances to the ring and the power and energy you brought to the ring. Although you left this world sooner than expected, your legacy still lives on. I still watch old wrestling videos with you in them. I hope you are resting in peace. Again, thank you
Lisa M
July 9, 2023
Rest in Heavenly peace Warrior. I will always be your biggest fan and admirer. ❤❤❤
How you can show support
Mr Miami
June 8, 2023
Greatest entertainer the WWE has ever had. RIP Warrior
Dennis winship
May 4, 2022
The ulitmate warrior was one of the best wrestlers ever. Dennis winship Lynn massachusetts
Melinda Trawick
October 14, 2021
Watch on wrestling wwe smack down was big fan,deep lost most wonderful person in made it in the Hall of Fame each wrestler ,passway tell this day i memories them I wrestling every Friday night wwe smack down watch ch 17 love Melinda
Melinda Trawick
October 14, 2021
Watch wrestling smashdown, warrior,like him good person, lot of love,tell this day Friday night wwesmachdown sometime look bac memory al old wrestler,miss watch the old wrestler on tv each one rest in price your fan Melinda from Nashville tn
May 29, 2021
rest in peace old friend, your legend will all ways live on.
j drago
May 29, 2021
Rest you peace.
Dennis Winship
May 10, 2021
Always weared the most colorful costumes. He will be truly missed. Dennis Winship Lynn Massachusetts
Rob Jasser
December 29, 2020
The warrior was captivating. I remember when i was 13 and he left the WWF (1991) and i would walk to the drug store for 3 miles just to see if i can read WWF MAGAZINE and get any updates on where the warrior was. Till today i search for matches where he gorilla pressed other wrestlers. Perhaps the most iconic wrestle mania moment is warrior over head slamming hulk hogan.
Daniel Cotton
April 4, 2020
Mr. Warrior. Thank you for your self help. I've listened to your videos. I'm on my own now. How I would have Loved to be a part of Warrior University.
Gilbert Flores
February 25, 2020
Ultimate warrior gave me energy like I never felt...I know he is now God's warrior. God Bless his family
Al Biggart
December 27, 2019
I know I was saddened and surprised when i heard about it. Almost prophetic when he said something like"when they breath their last breath they are forever immortalized" at his Hall Of Fame speech. God bless you and may God watch over you until one day you are reunited with your family.
Kevin Wallace.
August 8, 2019
Warrior was my wresting hero in the 80s and 90s. I still can't believe he is gone. He will always be immortal to all of his little warriors!! R.I.P. Warrior!! You'll always be missed but not forgotten!!
Michael Cymbalak
August 25, 2018
Over the years the world of wrestling has suffered many tragedies and the passing of ultimate warrior was one of the ones that effected me the most. Warrior was an inspiration to me and showed me through his matches no matter the size of your problem big or small become one with the warrior within and conquer them. You will truly be missed rock the heavens!!!!!
Michael Wightman
May 18, 2017
The world has lost a wonderful man, "The Ultimate Warrior." A great person, father, wrestler, superhero. You brought me many great memories. Always believe!
RUBIN EVERIDGE
April 29, 2017
GREATEST OF ALL TIME. WARRIOR WAS THE REASON I BECAME A WRESTLING FAN. I WILL NEVER FORGET WRESTLEMANIA 6. R.I.P. WARRIOR FOREVER.
Todd Sholly
March 31, 2016
You have been an inspiration to me for years. I will never forget you. Love you man.
kevin delargy
March 22, 2016
I am only 16 but what my uncle showed me ultimate warrior is now my favorite wrestler and he will through the hear of his fans and family always believe
Jack Kane
April 9, 2015
Yesterday, a whole year went by. I realized late last night, that most of my hero's are no longer upon this Earth. You were the most recent one to depart. I look forward to the time when I can enjoy a long conversation with you, in another place. You are missed by millions, and in a most significant way. I will dedicate my next mountain climb to you, for your anniversary, and the influence you have had in my life.
Constance Woolfolk
April 3, 2015
I love you Ultimate Warrior.
Tyson Harding
March 2, 2015
Rest in peace Warrior..run forever!! you were my hero! Tyson, Dublin, Ireland
B auspicious
November 22, 2014
It's really hard for me to believed that my hero the icon has been passed away warrior you were the best,You are n you will be the best you are the brightest star of the sky I MISS U ALOT N LOVE U...
Renee
October 14, 2014
My deep condolence for your loss,One day we look forward to a time when all things that cause sickness and dearth will be eradicated and this will be accomplished only by God Kingdom which we pray for on a regular basis as record for us at Matthew 6:9,10 when we see the fulfillment of that pray be reality,them we will be reunited with our loved ones on a paradise earth and live forever. Psalms 37:9-11
Patrice M.
October 11, 2014
Gone but never forgotten. Always Believe...Rip Warrior.
Johnny Lake
September 2, 2014
R.I.H Warrior. You were my hero and will forever be my hero. Warrior Nations!
August 22, 2014
salut ultimat repose en paix
Jillian
August 19, 2014
May the Beautiful Memories of your loved one solace and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. May you also find comfort in God's promise of life without end in Paradise. Matthew 5:5 , Acts 25:15
nick chadwick
August 15, 2014
rip warrior you were my hero and inspiration.
Edward & Vickie Perry Sr
July 20, 2014
I was sadend too hear the passing of the Ultimate Warrior he will be missed I am a super fan of the Ultimate Warrior we will miss you
Yvon Girouard
July 19, 2014
I was one of the ultimate warriors biggest fan, I still have some of his stuff that I saved over the years,Warrior you are the best wrestler that ever lived past, present , future, rest well Warrior. Until we meet again
Alvarezz McMillan
July 15, 2014
U was one of my favorite wrestler rip ultimate warrior
Tears From O.W.N. followers
Mike Searle
July 11, 2014
My Heart goes out to the family I was a big fan of the WARRIOR
Earl Ives
June 30, 2014
To family of the warrior, I deeply feel for lost of husband and father the world lost a great person!! He be miss by so many people
wallace spirit of scotland
June 25, 2014
An untimely loss of a giant in the wrestling world, may god go with you 'til we meet again, from wallace the spirit of scotland.
Wayne Murrell
June 11, 2014
Rest in peace Ultimate Warrior.
Joey Hey man
June 10, 2014
My condolences to ultimate warriors wife and kids rip ultimate warrior
June 10, 2014
To my favorite wrestler~ the words you spoke at the WWE hall of fame! says it all! You had a heart of gold and your love with live in your two little girls~ Watch over them and all your fans~ We all loved you Warrior~ Rest in Peace~! maybe you could give God a lesson or two~! LOL~! Your fan Carolyn Newman, Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada~!
Lisa Weiner
June 7, 2014
To The Ultimate Warrior,
You were a very talented wrester in the WWE. My prayers go to y0ur family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Gene Hauck
June 4, 2014
God Bless..The Warrior will live on in the Hearts of his family, friends and his fans....Always Believe!!
tesprya stevenson
May 28, 2014
my prayers are with your family warrior you were the best wrestler ever
David Powers
May 27, 2014
R.I.P Warrior You Will Never Be Forgotten
Charlie Nardolillo
May 23, 2014
Warrior inspired me every day , he was the ultimate coach at life , warrior you be missed every day . You truly was ultimate ALWAYS BELEIVE!!.
Patrice Lenhart-Mallery
May 21, 2014
I will always believe...RIP Warrior!
terra swift
May 19, 2014
I grew up the last 22 years always believing in the warrior. My dad and my self always enjoyed watching him. I lost my dad just 7 months ago. He had the warrior spirit till he took his last breath.my heart goes out to his warrior girl's I know how u feel. And to his wife. My heart and prayers will be with you. I will always be grateful for what warrior did for us fans. I always believed in the warrior. I will always carry the warrior spirit. I am sorry for your loss.
Gary Roberts, WWE Fan
May 18, 2014
Such a Great Competitor. An Inspiration to future Generations of Professional Wrestling. He is and Always will be The Ultimate One. My Prayers are with His Family. He taught us all how to Find it in your heart to Always Believe #ThankYouWarrior
Shawn Baird
May 18, 2014
I will always believe.
Jordan Erickson
May 14, 2014
One of the truest legends imaginable. You are an inspiration to everyone who knew you, and the millions that adored and looked up to you.
May 14, 2014
I love you,
Mark Lapointe (Acton Vale,Quebec,Canada.)
Tony de la Pena
May 13, 2014
This man was and always will be one of my childhood HEROS! He is inspirational in his words and really cared about how people viewed themselves. I have so much respect for this man. He made my night so.many times as I watched him shake the ropes and beat the snot out of people. A true hero and I'm gonna teach me kids about him. Thank you warrior for so many childhood memories and rest in piece brother. You will forever live on. Your theme song is constantly rocking out on my cell phone.
derrick woodruff
May 12, 2014
U. Always. Be. Mine. Hero warrior. My. Best. Wrestler. Forever
Kirsty Ashley
May 4, 2014
Warrior will always be my favourite ever since being a kid nobody can ever replace you. You left a wonderful wife and daughters RIP my hero of wrestling xx
Hank McClendon
May 3, 2014
Unbelievable to see you at the Hall of Fame ceremony, WrestleMania XXX and the following night on RAW then you passed away the next day. I have fond memories of your matches from when i was a child and you are a legend in the wrestling world, thank you for all the memories and may you rest in peace, God Bless your soul!!
Jim Lyons
May 1, 2014
Loved watching you when i was a kid with my family, you were my mothers favorite wrestler. You will be missed. I watched alot of your youtube videos and agree with alot of your words of wisdom. Rest in Peace Warrior
Usha Rani
May 1, 2014
You have always been an inspiration in my life, followed you throughout your wrestling career and really sadden by your death, always love you RIP,
Your warrior fan xx Thankyou for ever happy, exciting moments which will live forever..
Charez Mason
April 30, 2014
I loved u from the day u beat Honky Tonk Man for the I.C. belt. Even at 31 years old I'll always be your lil Warrior. U were everything to me. I love you. See u on the next space ship to "parts unknown".
April 30, 2014
The Warrior was and will always be my hero and role model. My sincere condolences are with Dana and his daughters... His legacy will live on forever! Dr Rich Marsillo
arnold polendo
April 29, 2014
Rip warrior God bless ur wife n daughters
WARRIOR at A Signing
Ron Cooper
April 29, 2014
You Be Missed Glad I Got Meet You And See You In Ring Many Times
Wwe fan
April 29, 2014
You"ll be missed RIP Warrior!
Christopher Harris
April 28, 2014
Send my love and prayers to The Warriors wife and children let God heal you through this time
Phillip Jackson
April 27, 2014
You were one of my favorite wrestlers of all time.. You'll be dearly missed..
Jimmie Moore III
April 27, 2014
you were the greatest , ill miss you. RIP ULTIMATE WARRIOR
terra swift
April 27, 2014
Im deeply saddened of his death and I will miss him. No matter what anyone says I will forever believe in the warrior. My prays go out to his family.
Ted Whyte
April 25, 2014
Always beleive
Tammy Harrison
April 25, 2014
May god bless you in the heaven's where ever your soul maybe out there in the loving skies . leave the rest up to god and his holly loving ways .I was so sad to hear you died you were my favorite wwe/wwf wrestler when I was little all the way up to now.
Robert Riley
April 24, 2014
May the Lord comfort your family in your passing.
Sanni Humphries
April 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to the wife and family. I loved seeing the Ultimate Warrior wrestle and do interviews.
Frank Alire
April 24, 2014
My thought and prayers go out to his wife and 2 daughters.
My you rest in peace.
Calvin Fong
April 24, 2014
I rooted for you to beat Hogan in WM6 and when you did beat him clean, it felt like my favorite team just won the Super Bowl.
Jeremy Sanders
April 23, 2014
Warrior you will never be forgotten!! Watched you growing up, you truly was a stand up type of guy. Definitely, gone way too soon.
Billy lucas
April 23, 2014
You were always the one who fought for what was right. Never backing down. Never giving up. From the 80s to now, you will be remembered. A legend you are, Warrior.
Frank Tamayo
April 23, 2014
My condolences to the Warrior family. We all know ur in a better place. Ultimate Warrior will live in our hearts forever!!! Always belive
Michael Constantakos
April 23, 2014
I feel that I lost a piece of me when he died.
stan reed
April 22, 2014
Sad day for wrestling and fans, a true legend and a awesome person,you will be missed.
alex hernandez
April 22, 2014
My Sincere Condolences To The Family, Friends, Fans Of The Ultimate Warrior, I Grew Up Watching WWE, He Was My Favorite Wrestler, Warrior, You Were The Best Wrestler, You Will Never Be Forgotten,
Gabriel Diaz
April 22, 2014
R.I.P WARRIOR no one will ever be a warrior like u will miss u
Scott Morgan
April 22, 2014
I will always believe. RIP
Diego Viera
April 22, 2014
Warrior famaly I want you to know that as a kid I got bully all the time for not speaking English and I can say I was alone the Warrior gave me the courage to overcome and never give up he will always be my favorite wrestler and legend he made me feel I can do anything I want I live the Warrior lifestyle and I know he will continue his work in the next life Thank you Warrior God bless you and your famaly
Rest in peace ultimate warrior
Kevin kula
April 21, 2014
Rest in peace ultimate warrior you were loved I will always be a true warrior thanks for the legendary incredible memories warrior !!!!! Warrior !!!!! Warrior
Bettye Dyer
April 21, 2014
No one will ever shake the ropes like you. R.I.L. Still in shock we just saw you getting inducted into the Hall of Fame,you will be missed.
Freda Dickey
April 21, 2014
My husband & I remember watching the Ultimate Warrior Wrestle It was always so cool how he ran down the isle to the ring. He truly had a special gift to be a wrestler & he will be missed.
I feel the Lord gave him a total peace about everything, we could both sense it when we were watching the Hall of Fame Ceremony, Raw, & the Warrior Tributes they have on the Network.
Our Prayers go out each day for all the family members and friends of the Ultimate Warrior. The Lord will help you all get through this.
God Bless!!
Psalm 91 The strength of The Lord.
April 21, 2014
i loved ultimate warrior as a young girl and admired the man as a woman RIP
jeffrey walker
April 21, 2014
Thank you for all the memories you have gave me and other wwe fans all over the world. You were and still are one of the greatest wrestling icons of all time. You will forever be missed and the spirit of the ultimate warrior will live on forever. Thank you for the memories.
Lee
April 21, 2014
The Warrior speech as said earlier this month is very very true, " And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something larger than life then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized. By the story tellers, by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honour him and make the running the man did live forever" The legacy will live forever my friend. You have inspired millions God bless.
Ron Johnson
April 21, 2014
I watched him from the day he came to wrestling. There was no one like him. The energy he had was that not ever seen before or since. He will always be remembered. God look out for and bless his family.
Cynthia Hefner
April 21, 2014
I remember seeing u for the first time u were so electrifying it was an instant that u were my favorite wrestler, after u left the business i stopped watching it wasnt the same without you. My brother sent u an email once but no response we know u get swampped with emails. My only regret is i never had the privledge of meeting you. You are immortalized by us fans the legend tellers.RIP WARRIOR, I will always miss you the world is a different place without you in it. I shall pray for your loved ones in this terrible time. Much love
Doreen B
April 21, 2014
God has taken back his ultimate warrior.he will be forever missed .doreen
Will Cutshaw
April 21, 2014
Thank you for all the smiles you brought to so many . Would have loved for many more years for your Family to have with you , as well as watching what should have been . Always remembered
Karen Childress
April 21, 2014
Your job is done....time to rest......with eternal love and respect.....xoxo
Doug Bain
April 21, 2014
I remember sitting in the Skydome at WM VI and seeing The Warrior go toe toe toe with Hulk Hogan, to of my favorite wrestlers. Warrior u r a true Icon in the business u will be missed by all ur fans, family and ur peers. RIP
Jerri McNair
April 21, 2014
I can remember back when I use to get so excited when you here the music and know that you would come running down the aisle. Well now they can play it up there and you can do your running. You will be missed. RIP (Run In Peace)
Adeel Naseer
April 21, 2014
RIP Warrior you were the Ultimate sportsman of this world god bless yours wife and both doughters
Brian B
April 21, 2014
Can't believe this day has come around so quickly where have the years gone???? Makes it so much harder knowing you finally came back and were gone again a few days later. Rest in peace warrior you will be missed.
Rob buchanan
April 21, 2014
Time has passed so quickly since the day you passed away WARRIOR and there will never be getting over your death not really cos each day when I look at my WARRIOR tattoo I'll be remembering a legend in and out of the ring even here in Wales in the u.k you touched the hearts of people most of which were wwf / wwe fans. So I say this Your legend will live on the WARRIOR will keep running through hearts and minds of all warrior fans worldwide we will never forget you for you made us as we made you.
william weir
April 21, 2014
RIP warrior thank you for the entertainment and memories god bless your wife and little girls my deepest heartfelt condolences go out to them
Cho Ariola
April 21, 2014
A big part of me died the day you passed away... Up to now I can't get over what happened and my heart bleeds everytime i think about all the wonderful things you could've done and all the people you could've made happy... You will always be in the hearts of the WARRIORS!!! LEGENDS never die!! Your WARRIORS will Always Believe!!! We love you!! ( I'm by the way from the philippines, I just cant find it in options below, you also have a huge number of WARRIORS here in the Philippines).
Showing 1 - 100 of 765 results
Make a Donation
in Ultimate Warrior's name
How to support Ultimate's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ultimate Warrior's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored