Wrestler Umaga Dies Aged 36

Former wrestling superstar UMAGA has died, aged just 36.

The ex-World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion passed away at his Houston, Texas home on Thursday night (03Dec09) after suffering a heart attack, according to his devastated family.

The star, real name Edward Fatu, saw his career with WWE cut short in 2003 when he was fired for his involvement in a bar fight, but went on to enjoy stints with rival wrestling giants TNA and All Japan.

He returned to WWE in 2005 and became a hugely popular member, headlining the massively successful WrestleMania 23 event in 2007.

He was later fired for a second time in June (09) after violating the company’s drug-testing policy.

A statement from the WWE says, “WWE would like to express its deepest condolences to Mr Fatu’s family, friends and fans on his tragic passing.

“Mr Fatu was under contract with WWE at various time periods and most recently performed under the name Umaga. Mr Fatu’s contract was terminated on June 11, 2009.”