A hall of fame wrestler with Winnipeg roots has died.
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who grew up in Windsor Park, has died at the age of 61.
Piper was in the main event at WWE's first Wrestlemania in 1985. That match also featured Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.
In 2006, Piper, who was also an actor, was at Winnipeg city hall where former mayor Sam Katz paid tribute.
While Piper grew up in Winnipeg, he was born in Saskatoon.
The WWE posted on its website that Piper, whose real name is Roderick Toombs, died on Friday.
Some reports suggested cause of death as cardiac arrest, but confirmation had not yet been released early Friday evening.
WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon described Piper as one of the most "entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE."
Piper was inducted into the WWE hall of fame in 2005.
"Sad to hear about Roddy Piper. He once worked 91 nights w/out a day off. WWE wouldn't be what it is today w/out him. Wonderful athlete & friend," tweeted former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, who was one of Piper's contemporaries.
- with files from The Canadian Press
