The Ultimate Warrior dead: WWE legend shockingly dies after 'Monday Night Raw' & Hall of Fame appearance, Twitter pays tribute #RIP James Hellwig

James (sometimes called Jim) Hellwig, infamously known as WWE legend "The Ultimate Warrior," suddenly passed away on Tuesday (April 8) at the age of 54. The shocking cause of death is still unknown, although reports suggest that Hellwig collapsed outside of an Arizona hotel that afternoon while heading to his car before his tragic passing. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

WWE issued a statement reading:

WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.

Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter.

We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans.

WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior's family, friends and fans.

Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.

Fans and fellow WWE legends continue offering their condolences on Twitter:

@TripleH: "Saddened to announce the passing of the Ultimate Warrior. Icon and friend. My sympathy to his wife Dana and his daughters."

@StephMcMahon: "#RIPUltimateWarrior Your strength of character is to be admired. There will never be anyone like you. Your spirit lives on in your family."

@J_Geezus: "RIP Ultimate Warrior. His passing is beyond shocking."

@xo_kianaxo: "This is unreal. RIP to The Ultimate Warrior. One of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Super hard to believe man."

@Kev_Boom: "As a child i dressed up as Ultimate Warrior for Halloween one year. None of the neighbours got it, but the Warrior knew, I knew. #rip."

‏@HulkHogan: "We talked,both forgave each other,we hugged ,we shook hands as we told each other I love you,I am so sad,God bless his beautiful family, HH."

@stu_cre86media: "RIP Ultimate Warrior. You played a big part of my childhood. Absolute legend and one of the best in WWE #RIPUltimateWarrior #Legend."

@onlyramzi: "Any kid who grew up watching wrestling knew who the Ultimate Warrior was. We all wanted to be the Ultimate Warrior. #RIP #Ultimate Warrior."

@RealKingRegal: "My condolences and best wishes to the family of the Ultimate Warrior. RIP."

@RealKevinNash: "So happy I embraced Warrior with a hug when we saw each other backstage Saturday night.My heart goes out to his family.Always Believe."

Earlier on Tuesday morning, TMZ reports that The Warrior happily posed with fans for some photos at a New Orleans airport. He looked in "great spirits."

RIP, The Ultimate Warrior. Stay tuned as more details develop.

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