Black Bart dead at 76: WWE legend dies just days after stopping chemotherapy following cancer battle

FORMER WWE star Black Bart has passed away aged 76 after a battle with cancer.

The wrestler - real name Richard Harris - had been fighting the deadly disease since 2022.

Harris was undergoing chemotherapy to prolong his life but was sadly forced to stop it after his insurance ran out.

And the cancer has sadly claimed his life.

Harris' passing was heartbreakingly announced by his wife, Linda.

She wrote on his Facebook page: "You might know him as Black Bart but to me he was my husband Ricky. He left us this morning.

";He was pronounced at 5:26 this morning. He is Resting In Peace."

Tributes poured in for the late Harris, including from his protege John Layfield.

JBL wrote on X: "Black Bart took me under his wing and taught me how to be a professional wrestler.

"We were tag champs in Texas-but we were also just buddies.

"We sat together in the dressing room while Bart spit in his trashcan and constantly joked about everything.

"Bart meant the world to me. I love you big brother. RIP."

Former WWE star Leilani Kai wrote: "Black Bart passed away today.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He was a good guy."

Dustin Rhodes - the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty - said: "Black Bart taught me a ton in my younger years.

"Loved him to death. He will be missed."

Harris began his wrestling career all the way back in 1975 and competed in several promotions.

As well as his one-year stint in the WWE, he also had spells with the WCW, ECW and All Japan Pro Wrestling.

He never won a title in one of wrestling's major promotions, although he claimed a litany of belts on the regional scene and in some now-defunct organisations.