WWE legend Virgil has died at the age of 61 after a heart-breaking health battle.
The wrestling icon who appeared alongside Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase during the 1980s heyday was confirmed dead by Mark Charles III, who had looked after the star during the last few years.
A statement from Mark confirmed the passing of the "beloved" Virgil, real name Michael Jones, who appeared in the WWE for eight years, most prominently as the bodyguard of Ted DiBiase.
READ MORE: Ex-WWE star Virgil unrecognisable after dementia diagnosis as pal sets up GoFundMe
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The statement read: "My dear friends, it is with great sorrow that I bring news from the Jones family of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we know and loved as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones and more.
"Virgil passed peacefully at the hospital this morning and I ask that you pray for him and for his family. May his memory be eternal!" The ex-WWE star had suffered a string of health battles over the last few years.
Virgil had previously been diagnosed with dementia and in 2022 suffered two minor strokes. Fans have since paid tribute to Virgil, with one writing: "I hope that autograph line in the great beyond is around the block for you, brother." Another called Virgil a "pioneer that went through hell to pave the way".
Virgil had taken to Twitter following the announcement of his health battle and confirmed he had been "trying to survive". He wrote: "Something wasn’t right. My head, my arm and my heart. When I came back from Dallas I ended up going to the Doctor and they discovered a whole bunch of issues.
"For starters- without me knowing, over the past few months the Doctor had identified that I suffered 2 massive strokes. Like I didn't even have a clue till I started not working with 1 of my arms. It’s basically not able to do anything. This was the decent news.
"The worse news is that I have been told that I am fighting with an early stage of dementia. The years of taking the big main event bump every night (that nobody else wanted to take) Had started to affect me.
"I’m nervous I’m scared & God knows I can’t afford 2 get through this & even make a living. It’s really sad as all I want to do is have fun & do what I always do."
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