WCW star Mark Ty Hildreth, known to wrestling fans as Van Hammer, has died aged 66, with tributes led by friend Marc Mero as the cause of death remains unconfirmed
Mark Ty Hildreth, the professional wrestler best known to fans as Van Hammer, has died aged 66. He passed away today (Sunday, April 19).
The news was first shared on social media by his longtime friend and former colleague Marc Mero, who paid tribute to Hildreth as a “loyal, selfless” friend and a “fighter”. Other figures from the wrestling world including Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) have also posted tributes.
No official cause of death has been confirmed with cause yet to be released pending an autopsy.
Taking to his X page, Mero wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer.
“At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy. Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him… he always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going.
“I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym.
“Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes to come to his office the next day. Mark didn’t hesitate, he drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling.
“That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most. We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract.
“We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight.
“Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey.
“Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered.”
Hildreth rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he was known for a “heavy metal” rock star persona. He also appeared as a member of Raven’s Flock and later the Misfits In Action stable, where he performed under the name Major Stash.
Among his best-remembered moments in WCW was winning the “Jesse Ventura Strongest Arms” arm-wrestling tournament.
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