Reports are coming in that former WWE Superstar and professional footballer Del Wilkes, aka The Patriot, has passed away at the age of 59. According to the Charleston Post and Courier, he suffered a massive heart attack early yesterday morning.
Though he hadn't competed as an active wrestler in quite some time, if you were an avid watcher of WWE or WCW television in the late '80s/early '90s, you'll no doubt be familiar with the Patriot. Wilkes was a staple of several promotions in the U.S. and Japan, and was a former two-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, as well as a former AWA World Tag Team Champion.
Wilkes had his last match for WWE in a losing effort against the late Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart on Shotgun Saturday Night, and was released from the company in early 1998. He officially retired from pro wrestling shortly after due to a triceps injury, and had been working as a car salesman in Columbia, South Carolina for the past 16 years.
Wilkes leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Cathy. Our thoughts go out to her and all Del's family and friends.