How Did 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper Die? Legendary WWE Wrestler Passes Away

Wrestling legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper died on Thursday night at the age of 61, according to TMZ. The former WWE superstar died in his sleep from cardiac arrest at his home in Hollywood.

"I am devastated at this news,” Piper’s rep told TMZ. “Rod was a good friend as well as a client and one of the most generous, sincere and authentic people I have ever known. This is a true loss to us all."

Piper, whose birth name was Roderick George Toombs, was one of the most iconic wrestlers in history. He was a top villain in WWE during the 1980’s, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

“Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

Piper was in the main event of WrestleMania 1, teaming up with Paul Orndorff to face Hogan and Mr. T. While Piper was good in the ring, he truly shined on the mic, delivering some of the best promos in wrestling history. Last year, WWE ranked him No.3 on their list of all-time greatest talkers.

Piper becomes the second WWE legend to pass away in less than two months. Dusty Rhodes died at the age of 69 on June 11.