BREAKING UPDATE: Dusty Rhodes Passes Away – What Happened?

Jun 11, 2015

UPDATE: As reported earlier, WWE.com announced the tragic news that Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels) has passed away at the age of 69.

While there aren’t a lot of specific details to report at this time, we can confirm that Rhodes suffered a fall at his house yesterday and his kidneys were shutting down as he started to get dehydrated. The fall took place yesterday and his condition became worse throughout the night. He succumbed to his injuries this morning.

Rhodes was one of the biggest names to come from NWA and is a three time champion of that promotion. He started wrestling in the 1970s and wrestled for a little over thirty years. He’s also the father to WWE stars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels).

We would like to give our condolences to his family, friends and fans. Also, we should have more information on this unfortunate story later today. Stay tuned.

ORIGINAL: The following is from WWE.com:

WWE is deeply saddened that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today at the age of 69.

Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.

WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels’ family, friends and colleagues.