WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka Dead at 73

Former professional wrestler Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka has died at 73-years-old.

Jimmy Snuka
Getty

Image via Getty

Jimmy Snuka

News is breaking on Twitter that WWE legend and Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka has died at the age of 73. His daughter (and current WWE professional wrestler) Tamina Snuka, as well as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and legendary professional wrestling commentator Jim Ross, took to social media to announceĀ Snuka's death.

Our family @TaminaSnuka asked me to share the sad news that her dad Jimmy Snuka has just passed away. Alofa atu i le aiga atoa. #RIPSuperfly
Our condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka who died earlier today after losing his fight with stomach cancer. RIPšŸ™

The WWE has issued a statement on Snuka's passing: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy ā€œSuperflyā€ Snuka has passed away.

Snuka is regarded by many as the pioneer of high-flying offense because of his Superfly Splash from the top turnbuckle. His dive off the top of the steel cage onto Don Muraco at Madison Square Garden as hundreds of flash bulbs went off will forever live as one of the most memorable moments in WWE history.

WWE extends its condolences to Snukaā€™s family, friends and fans."

For many of today's professional wrestling fans, SnukaĀ is seen as a pioneer. Legends like Mick Foley count Snuka as a huge inspiration, primarily for his death-defying leaps, putting himself in harms way for the fans entertainment (which is essentially what Foley did, although heĀ turned it up a few notches).Ā 

Snuka's stardom came from his stint in the WWE, which lasted a total of six years (1982-1985 and 1989-1992), but he surprisingly never held championship gold while being a WWE superstar. He was also remembered for taking a coconut to the head by one "Rowdy" Roddy Piper during an interview segment in 1984, as well as being the cornerman for Hulk Hogan and Mr. T during the very firstĀ WrestleManiaĀ event.

Professional wrestling stars have started sharing their condolences to Snuka via social media.

So sorry to learn of the passing of the legendary Jimmy Snuka. His career had such a huge impact on my life. pic.twitter.com/I4JZP7XICJ
Sad to hear a LEGEND, Jimmy Snuka has passed. I was lucky enough to tag w/Snuka in ECW. Learned tons from him. #trailblazer #RIPSuperfly
Rest in Love Jimmy ā¤ #RIPSuperfly
Thinking of my friend @TaminaSnuka today ... sending love and prayers to an incredibly strong woman.
Sad to hear about the passing of Jimmy Snuka. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Rest easy uce. Gods got you now. #RIPSuperfly
So sorry to hear about the passing of Super Fly Jimmy Snuka, one of a kind and a pioneer, my condolences to family, friend and fans

However, like acclaimed pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer says, Snuka leaves a complex story. While he is remembered by many pro wrestling fans for his death-defying stunts in the ring, Snuka was better known as of late for facing murder charges for the 1983 death of his then-girlfriend Nancy Argentino. He'd plead not guilty to these charges in November of 2015, but had the trial delayed for a mental health evaluation. The scandal forced the WWE to suspend his "Legends" contract and removeĀ Snuka's name from their "Hall of Fame" section (he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1996), but Snuka's case was ultimately dismissed on Jan. 3, 2017, as the judge deemed Snuka unfit to stand trial.

Snuka's wife announced that the retired professional wrestler was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He had undergone surgery to remove part of his stomach and his lymph nodes in an effort to get rid of his cancer, butĀ Snuka was reportedly given six months to live this past December due to a terminal illness.

This story is developing.

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