WWE issued the following statement in regard to Jimmy Rel Ray’s passing on Saturday night:
WWE is saddened is learn that David Ferrier, better known to WWE fans as Jimmy Del Ray, passed away Saturday night at the age of 52. His death was the result of injuries suffered in a single-vehicle accident in Tampa, Fla., Saturday, according to a Tampa Tribune report.
As one-half of The Heavenly Bodies tag team alongside partner Tom Prichard and manager Jim Cornette, Ferrier — who went by the nickname “Gigolo” — thrilled and infuriated audiences in WWE in the early to mid-1990s. The Heavenly Bodies also enjoyed great success in Smoky Mountain Wrestling, winning the Tennessee-based organization’s tag team titles on numerous occasions, as well as a stint in Extreme Championship Wrestling. At Survivor Series 1993, Del Ray (Ferrier) & Prichard defeated The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express to capture the SMW Tag Team Championship, becoming the first Superstars to win a title not sanctioned by WWE on a WWE pay-per-view. Later in his career, Ferrier also competed in WCW, where he wrestled under the moniker Jimmy Graffiti.
WWE extends its condolences to Ferrier’s colleagues, friends and family.