Bushwhacker Butch dead at 78: WWE Hall of Famer Bob Miller dies after being rushed to hospital as tributes pour in

WWE legend Bushwhacker Butch has reportedly died at the age of 78.

The late WWE Hall of Famer's former partner, Bushwhacker Luke, shared the tragic news on Monday afternoon.

Butch, real name Bob Miller, passed away after being hospitalized with an illness last week, according to Luke.

"Late last night, I lost my friend, brother, and tag team partner of over 50 years with the passing of Bob 'Butch' Miller," Butch's former partner wrote in a on Monday.

"My heart goes out to his wife Helen, his lovely daughters Sharon and Kirsten, and all of his grandchildren."

After recalling how the Bushwhackers teamed up, Luke added: "This past weekend in Los Angeles, Bob flew in from New Zealand to join me for Wrestlemania weekend and the related festivities, neither of us knowing it would be our last days together and his last days of life.

"If you were to read the story of my life it would say that I am only child, but it would be wrong.

"In life I had a brother and his name was Bob Miller. I love you, Bob.

"Until I see you again, WOOOOAHH YEEEEAAHH!"

Tributes from the wrestling world immediately poured in after Luke, real name Brian Wickens, published the post on Monday.

The Iron Sheik tweeted: "BUSHWHACKER BUTCH I LOVE YOU FOREVER. RIP MY FRIEND YOU ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE."

Tommy Dreamer added: "Sorry to hear the news of @WWE HOFer Bushwacker Butch passing. I was a massive Sheepherders fan. I was blessed to work w/Butch & Luke in #ECW."

And Adam Pearce wrote: "Godspeed, Bushwhacker Butch Miller. Rest well, sir."

The Bushwhackers worked in the NWA and WWE after arriving in the US from their native New Zealand in 1965.

They also performed as The Kiwis and The Sheepherders after starting what would be a nearly 40-year career in the wrestling ring.

The Bushwhackers won numerous regional tag team titles in the NWA.

They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2020.

Luke started a GoFundMe page to collect money for Butch after Miller fell ill last week.

The funds will now be used to pay for the late wrestling legend's funeral, according to the fundraiser.