Dusty Rhodes Update: 911 Phone Call Released; 'The American Dream's' Wife Begged For Help

The 911 call made by the wife of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes was obtained and released by TMZ Tuesday. The wrestling legend collapsed in his Orlando, Florida, home Wednesday morning and was rushed to the hospital, where he died the next day.

“I need help. I need an ambulance,” Rhodes’ wife, Michelle Rubio, said in the call. Panic can be heard in her voice.

“What’s wrong? Tell me what happened,” the operator responded.

“My husband has fallen. He’s very sick. I need help!” she responded.

Then the operator almost sounded irritated. “They’re coming as fast as they can. Me talking to you is not stopping them,” he said.

“He’s ill,” Rubio told the operator, adding she did not know what phone number she was calling from.

“OK. I understand he’s ill and he fell. The paramedics are coming as fast as they can, like I said,” the operator continued.

Then Rhodes wife said “thank you, thank you” and then seemingly got off the line. The operator let out a sigh of relief, then said “hello” a few times, then “OK” and stayed on the line until help ultimately arrived.

Rhodes was 69. His cause of death has not been revealed.

WWE stars like Triple H and Ric Flair mourned the wrestler, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, on Twitter Thursday. “Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend...Love you Dream,” Triple H wrote. “My mentor @WWEDustyRhodes. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream,” Ric Flair said.

The WWE wrote a tribute to Rhodes, whose real name was Virgil Runnels. “Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended,” the message read. “WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels’ family, friends and colleagues.”

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