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FORMER WCW STAR VAN HAMMER PASSES AWAY

Marc Mero announced the passing of former WCW star Van Hammer, real name Mark Hildreth.  The belief is he was 66 years old.

Mero's announcement:

"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 was trained by Dean Malenko and Dan Spivey before debuting in World Championship Wrestling in 1991, playing a heavy metal rock and roll character.    He may be best remembered for a Falls Count Anywhere match with Mick Foley on a live Clash of Champions special and winning a 1992 Jesse Ventura Invitational arm-wrestling tournament.  He was with WCW for several years before departing.  Hildreth received a WWF tryout in 1993 but wasn't brought into the company.  He returned to WCW during the Nitro era, where he was a member of Raven's Flock and a member of the Misfits in Action tag stable as Major Stash.  He toured for Big Japan Wrestling in 2001 and last wrestled in 2009.  He also had a hand in training Jay and Mark Briscoe, which may be the biggest part of his legacy.

PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Van Hammer.

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