“Mean” Gene Okerlund’s son says the legendary WWE announcer passed away after his health began to decline following a bad fall at home.
Todd Okerlund told TMZ his father suffered multiple broken ribs during a fall at home last month in Florida.
Gene had apparently been in bad health for awhile and this worsened his condition.
“Mean” Gene was admitted to a nursing home days before his death, but days later he began having trouble breathing and was rushed to a hospital where he passed away.
Todd told TMZ his family has been touched by the outpour of support from the wrestling community.
Vince McMahon tweeted about Okerlund’s passing and said, “It was impossible not to crack a smile whenever ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund entered a room.
He was the voice behind so many of WWE’s most iconic and entertaining moments, and the WWE family will miss him immensely.”
Read the tweets below for additional heartfelt tributes:
One Of My Closest Friends Since 1972 Until This Very Sad Day In 2019. Not Only The Greatest Voice And Personality In The History Of Announcing, But A Man Who Touched Everyone’s Life Who Were Fortunate Enough To Know Him. Rest In Peace Knowing No One Will Ever Replace You. pic.twitter.com/i7illbxQgw
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 2, 2019
Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best.
Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.
Condolences to his friends and family. — Steve AustinJust heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.
Condolences to his friends and family.— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/krsMtbeNIl
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) January 2, 2019
Celebrating Mean Gene and our friendship with his favorite Martini,brother RIP my friend HH pic.twitter.com/VWwf3K2AD5
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
A voice of my childhood, and one of the greatest of all time — you will be missed, Gene. 🙏 https://t.co/15kNprnbRd
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) January 2, 2019
Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream “Mean Gene” when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood.
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019
So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund
I just saw Mean Gene in North Carolina at WrestleCade.
It’s so true that our tomorrow’s are never guaranteed.
Say hello to Jan, Mean Gene. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PQ4ZZGmXnx
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him.
Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.
Those things can undoubtedly be said about him. #RIPMeanGene
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) January 2, 2019
Super bummed about Mean Gene. Literally JUST sat down last week to do an interview about his legacy. He was the most iconic backstage interviewer in wrestling history in my opinion. #RIPMeanGene
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) January 2, 2019
Sad that my friend Mean Gene Oakland has passed.I was so fortunate to work with him for 24 years.
Our time doing”local markets”in WCW and World Wides taught me more than anything on how to cut a promo. https://t.co/uePXk2PJT4
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) January 2, 2019
Sad that my friend Mean Gene Oakland has passed.I was so fortunate to work with him for 24 years.
Our time doing”local markets”in WCW and World Wides taught me more than anything on how to cut a promo.
Rest in Peace Gene!!!
-
HOME2 years ago
Stephanie McMahon Fires WWE Superstar following act of disobedience and insubordination
-
HOME4 years ago
Paige Reportedly Dating & Sleeping With WWE Celebrity — See Relationship Photos….
-
HOME4 years ago
New Boyfriend : WWE Star Asuka Is No Longer Single — See Who Asuka Is Now Dating…
-
WWE1 year ago
Video Of Ultimate Warrior Cursing At Kids Goes Viral: Ultimate Warrior was a “phony hero”
-
News Plus4 years ago
Nia Jax Reportedly Dating & Sleeping With WWE Idol — See Relationship Photos…
-
WWE4 years ago
New Boyfriend: Asuka Announces She’s Now Dating WWE Star — See Relationship Photos…
-
Entertainment3 years ago
PHOTOS: Kayla Braxton Publicizes She’s in relationship with WWE Coworker — Kayla Braxton NOW dating WWE Star
-
Entertainment3 years ago
PHOTOS: New Information Surfaces that Randy Savage and Stephanie McMahon slept together