Bray Wyatt death updates — WWE star wasn’t wearing doctor-issued heart defibrillator when fiancée found him unresponsive
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WINDHAM Rotunda, known to WWE fans as Bray Wyatt, was reportedly not wearing a doctor-issued defibrillator at the time of his death.
Windham's immediate family members have revealed the WWE star had COVID in March 2023 which led to heart complications and a weaker lower heart, reported.
Doctors reportedly advised Windham to continue to wear an external heart defibrillator which is a device designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Officials revealed that the wrestler was not wearing the device when he died and later found it in his car.
Windham reportedly told his fiancée he was going to take a nap on Thursday and she became worried once she heard his alarm going off for more than an hour, according to police records.
The WWE star's fiancée called 911 while her mother attempted CPR after finding him in bed not breathing and turning blue, police records revealed.
Windham reportedly died from a heart attack, according to Fightful reporter Sean Ross Sapp, but the star's family has not yet released a cause of death.
Read our Bray Wyatt blog for the latest updates...
Tearful tribute on SmackDown
Tears streamed down the faces of his fellow WWE wrestlers as a heartbreaking showed clips of Wyatt with his family and in the ring.
The video started with the beloved wrestler’s iconic walkout with his lantern.
It went on to feature a series of touching clips showcasing Wyatt’s storied career and images of his children and fiancée, Jojo Offerman.
WWE stars Cody Rhodes, Finn Balor, Luke Gallows, and AJ Styles were seen on stage overcome with emotion.
Devastated fans after Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk’s deaths
Wyatt’s fans flooded social media with tributes to the wrestler on Thursday, and they shared their thoughts on Friday’s tribute as well.
One fan wrote: “As soon as the video ended, I started crying immediately, man :(.”
Another person said: “I legitimately teared up.”
A third fan said: “Hearing the crowd sing ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands’ gave me chills.”
Finally, a fourth person wrote: “Such a beautiful tribute.
“He seemed like a decent human being who loved his family and friends, and he was an absolute creative genius in the wrestling business.”
Empty chair tribute
Last night’s SmackDown event ended in a hush as one of many uncharacteristically silent moments of the night.
On such moment occurred as an empty rocking chair was left swaying in the spotlight of the empty ring.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) explain how dramatically it impacted them.
One user was nearly immediately in tears: “as soon as the video ended I started crying immediately, man.”
“This chair will always be empty now,” wrote another user.
Another noted how appropriately dramatic the moment was: “Watching Zelina & Scarlett in tears and then the spotlight on Brays rocking chair. Already got to me.”
‘In his hands’
On last Friday night’s SmackDown, the crowd sang “He’s got the whole world in his hands,” in unison.
Accompanied by waving phone flashlights, fans on (formerly Twitter) have taken to the site to express their feelings.
One wrote that the chorus gave them “chills.”
Another posted; “He had the world in his hands. He still has the world in his hands. He always did. And always will.
“Rest easy bray we will miss you.”
Everything to know about Bray Wyatt, continued
Bray Wyatt was in a relationship with JoJo Offerman at the time of his death.
She is also a professional wrestler, best known for her role on the reality show Total Divas.
Wyatt and Offerman welcomed a son named Knash Sixx in May 2019.
Their daughter, Hyrie Von, was born the following year.
After Wyatt’s death, it was confirmed that all the proceeds from his merchandise sales would go to his family.
Everything to know about Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, was an American professional wrestler.
He was born on May 23, 1987, in Florida, and died on August 24, 2023.
The star was the son of Mike Rotunda and grandson of wrestler Blackjack Mulligan.
His brother, Taylor Rotunda, also performed in the WWE under the name Bo Dallas.
Wyatt was once married to real estate agent Samantha Rotunda.
The couple split in 2017 but they welcomed two daughters, Cadyn and Kendyl Rotunda, during their relationship.
Bray Wyatt was a third-generation wrestler
Windham Rotunda, a former WWE Champion, is best known for his creativity and promo skills.
He was a third-generation wrestler as the grandson of Blackjack Mulligan and the son of Mike Rotunda, better known under the ring name Irwin R. Schyster – IRS.
Rotunda also has a brother, Taylor Rotunda, who performed in the WWE under the name Bo Dallas.
Bray Wyatt’s long career with WWE
Bray Wyatt became a staple in WWE with his unique persona, memorable bits, and legendary WrestleMania performances.
He started with the program in 2009 under the name Husky Harris before reinventing himself as Bray Wyatt.
His character was the cult leader of the Wyatt family, which later became a fan-favorite storyline in WWE.
Wyatt then took on the character, The Fiend.
Smackdown felt the spirit of Bray Wyatt
WWE honored Bray Wyatt on Smackdown last Friday.
His rival, LA Knight paid tribute to Wyatt as fans chanted: “Thank you Bray.”
The audience made fireflies to hold up in honor of Wyatt’s infamous bit, “The Firefly Fun House.”
After seeing the fireflies, Knight said he could feel Wyatt’s spirit in the room.
Fans remember Bray Wyatt’s match against John Cena
Fans are remembering Bray Wyatt’s contribution to WWE on social media, including his match against John Cena.
One fan shared the promo for their fight and wrote: “The best WWE Promi ever, Bray Wyatt vs John Cena. You just had the be there.”
Another commented on Cena’s tribute: “You guys made magic together!”
A third agreed: “That #FireflyFunhouse cinematic match at WM36 was one of the best cinematic matches that I’ve ever seen.
“You and Bray were simply amazing. You guys clicked on every level. Bray will be dearly missed.”
LA Knight honors Bray Wyatt
WWE fan-favorite LA Knight honored Bray Wyatt on the latest episode of Smackdown.
The two had an intense feud that engaged fans everywhere, but Knight put the plot aside to honor his former colleague.
He entered the ring, calmed the fans down, and told the arena: “Tonight’s about Bray Wyatt.”
Knight added: “Sometimes your greatest foes, turn out to be your greatest helpers.”
The WWE star recalled their countless battles and thanked Wyatt for preparing him for anything.
About Bray’s ex-wife
Samantha Rotunda is a real estate agent from Florida.
She and Bray Wyatt met in college and fell in love. The two eventually tied the knot in 2012.
While Bray was married to Samantha, he met and began dating Jojo Offerman, who he was engaged to at the time of his death.
This resulted in Samatha filing for divorce in 2017.
Samantha has since moved on with a landscape laborer named Dan Pixley.
Luke Harper’s cause of death revealed
Luke Harper shockingly died after a long battle with a lung illness.
His wife, Amanda Huber revealed the devastating news in a post on social media.
She : “My best friend died today. I never wanted to write out those words. My heart is broken.”
Huber said her husband “passed surrounded by loved ones after a hard-fought battle with a non Covid related lung issue.”
Luke Harper’s tragic death
Jon Huber, known to WWE fans as Luke Harper tragically passed away in December 2020.
All Elite Wrestlingoffering condolences to Huber’s family, saying the community is “heartbroken.”
The statement wrote: “In an industry filled with good people, Jon Huber was exceptionally respected and beloved in every way – a fierce and captivating talent.”
WWE commentator Mihir Joshi called his death “truly heartbreaking” while ESPN editor Tim Fiorvanti.
Other tributes poured in for the late wrestler, who said: “I’m at a loss for words!!!!!”
More on Bray Wyatt’s best friend Luke Harper
Jonathan Huber, known to fans as Luke Harper, was a popular professional wrestler.
He was born on December 16, 1979, in Rochester, New York.
Jon launched his career in sports entertainment when he debuted for the first time with WWE in May 2012.
But he left the ring in 2019 to move to better pastures.
Fans claimed the decision came after the company failed to “take advantage of his full potential”.
He then performed for AEW – where he hit the stage until his death in 2020.
Last televised match was in January
Bray Wyatt’s last televised match was at the Royal Rumble against LA Knight in late January.
He continued to wrestle at live events and dark matches after Raw through the ongoing weeks.
The Firefly Fun House star was later spotted in a WWE ring in February in Rockford, Illinois, nearly 90 miles west of Chicago.
He was due to fight Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 39, but that bout never happened.
Bray Wyatt on the meaning of wrestling, continued
Bray Wyatt's statement continued: "Wrestling is not a love story, it's so much more. It's hope."
"And in a world surrounded in hate, greed and violence, a world where closure many never come. We all know a place that has hot and cold hope on tap.
"For better or for worse."
Wyatt made his triumphant return to the ring that following January at the Royal Rumble.
Bray Wyatt on the meaning of wrestling
Last year, Bray Wyatt shared to his Instagram about wrestling.
He wrote: "Wrestling is not a love story, it's a Fairy Tale for masochists. A comedy for people who criticize punchlines. A fantasy most can't understand, a spectacle no one can deny.
"Lines are blurred, heroes are villains. Budgets are cut. Business is business."
"But it can also be a land where Dead men walk. Where Honor makes you Elite. Where Demons run for office. And Rock bottom is a reason to rejoice. WOOOO! It's an escape.
"A reason to point the blame at anyone but yourself for 2-3 hours. An excuse to be a kid again, and nothing matters except the moment we are in."
Bray Wyatt's message to fans
Bray Wyatt a video on his Instagram last December to send a message to his fans.
He thanked the WWE community for welcoming him back into the ring and honored his uncle and dad for being his role models.
Wyatt also shared that his uncle Barry Windham had suffered massive heart failure, but was revived when a civilian gave him CPR.
Wyatt said he was thankful to have his uncle back and included a link to a Go Fund Me for Barry's recovery.
His message to fans: "Be good to the ones you love.";
"Nothing is forever," he continued.
'Where can you hide when there's nothing but darkness?'
Bray Wyatt's last Instagram post was on January 27.
He shared a video with WWE promoting his fight with LA Knight at the Royal Rumble.
The dramatic clip featured Wyatt's warning to his rival.
LA Knight paid tribute to Wyatt during last week's episode of SmackDown.
He thanked Wyatt for pushing him and told the crowd that he could feel Wyatt's spirit.
WWE stars honor Wyatt with matching tattoos
WWE stars Braun Strowman, Karrion Kross, Shotz, and the program's head of long-term creative Rob Fee have gotten matching tattoos to honor Bray Wyatt.
The group tattooed Wyatt's signature firefly logo to honor their friend and colleague.
Kross's wife, Scarlet shared photos of the stars at a tattoo parlor on her Instagram story.
Strowman was a member of the Wyatt Family.
Wrestling community mourns this week
The wrestling community has lost two prominent members in just one week, Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk.
Funk died on Wednesday at the age of 79, Mick Foley confirmed on social media.
Funk's wrestling career began back in 1965 with Western States Sports - a promotion in Texas.
Moves to Florida and Japan followed before he joined what was then known as the WWF in 1985.
He also appeared in films such as the 1989 blockbuster Road House, while also appearing in Rambo III, Over The Top, and the TV series Wildside.
Inside Bray Wyatt's romantic relationships
Bray Wyatt was engaged to JoJo Offerman at the time of his death and they were raising two kids together.
Prior to welcoming kids with JoJo, Bray had two daughters with his previous wife, Samantha Rotunda.
She and Bray Wyatt met in college and fell in love. The two eventually tied the knot in 2012.
However, while Bray was married to Samantha, he allegedly stepped out on their marriage with JoJo.
This resulted in Samatha filing for divorce in 2017.
More on JoJo Offerman
JoJo Offerman is a professional wrestler known for her role on the reality show Total Divas.
Born on March 10, 1994, the professional wrestler is the daughter of professional baseball player Jose Offerman.
In 2013, JoJo made her debut on Total Divas.
Apart from her career as a wrestler, she also worked as a ring announcer for WWE and previously RAW.
She and Bray Wyatt – real name Windham Rotunda – were in a relationship prior to his sudden death in August 2023.
On April 28, 2022, JoJo revealed via Instagram that the two were engaged.
In a post showing off her flashy ring, JoJo wrote: “A million times YES! I love you Windham and I can’t wait to marry you (even though it feels like we’re already…”
Social media sends love to JoJo Offerman
Social media users are sending love to Bray Wyatt's fiancée, JoJo Offerman on Instagram.
One of her most recent posts featuring Wyatt has numerous comments sending love and condolences.
One comment reads: "I’m sorry for your loss.. love and prayers to you and your children."
Another wrote: "My thoughts are with you, and I’m terribly sorry for what has happened. Know that the community is with you and we are here to support you."
A third added: "Can’t even imagine what you are going through right now… all my prayers are with you and your beautiful children. No one should have to live without a father."