Tragic news has emerged as the wrestling community mourns the untimely passing of WWE hero Darren Drozdov, known by his ring name Droz, at the age of 54.
The confirmation came from the wrestling giants themselves, who paid a touching tribute to Droz just before the airing of SmackDown at The O2 Arena in London.
This heartbreaking loss has left fans and the wrestling world devastated, as they remember the significant impact Droz made during his career.
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Cause Of Death: Drozdov’s family added that he passed away due to natural causes.
Drozdov spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair with WWE maintaining him on their payroll.
STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF DARREN DROZDOV
We are sad to share our beloved Darren passed away this morning of natural causes. There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now.
Darren, affectionately known as “Droz,” was involved in a tragic ring accident while wrestling for the WWE in 1999 that rendered him a quadriplegic. Nevertheless, Droz maintained a championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest even though he was unable to move from the neck down for the past 24 years. His own words sum up his relentless positivity in the midst of adversity: “There is always another day. Just because I’m paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean my life is over. I’ve learned to live again, and my life is far from over.”
We lived this journey with him over the past 24 years. We were always there through the good times and the bad, and provided him with our unconditional love. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to everyone. All of his fans, teammates, colleagues, and friends for all the love and support he received over the years. You all gave him meaning, purpose and something to live for. He loved each and every one of you and cherished the conversations, notes and letters he received. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back.
We also would also like to thank WWE for treating him like family, and for all of their love, support and stepping up to make sure that Darren always had the proper care and treatment needed to live in his condition over the past 24 years.
He was a devoted son, brother, and friend who had always put others first, especially his family. He was kind, generous and was always there for his people. He was our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smile was healing. His warmth, love, and laughter were infectious. We could always turn to him for wisdom and solace and his absence feels like a giant hole in our family and our hearts. Everyone who knew Darren was a better person because of it.
He taught everyone so much about how to look at life: how to put things in perspective, how to overcome adversity, and how to show compassion for others. He would not want anyone to be sad at this moment and would want to this to be a celebration of his life, to be remembered for all the great things that he accomplished, the fun, the laughter, the great memories he shared with everyone.
Tributes poured for the wrestling hero with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson opening up about their close relationship.
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About Darren Drozdov
Darren Drozdov, born on April 13, 1969, was a professional wrestler known by his ring name Droz. Hailing from New Jersey, Drozdov began his wrestling career in the late 1990s and gained popularity in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE).
Before joining the wrestling world, Drozdov played college football at the University of Maryland. However, his promising football career was cut short due to a neck injury. Undeterred, he transitioned to professional wrestling, debuting in 1996.
Droz’s time in the WWF was marked by his association with the faction “The Legion of Doom.” He often served as a tag team partner for Hawk and Animal, the legendary duo. Droz’s charismatic personality and athleticism endeared him to fans, and he quickly garnered a dedicated following.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck during a live event on October 5, 1999. Drozdov suffered a severe neck injury during a match against D’Lo Brown when a botched move resulted in him landing awkwardly. The injury left Droz paralyzed from the neck down, ending his wrestling career.
Despite the devastating injury, Drozdov remained positive and resilient. He continued to inspire others with his determination and outlook on life. Following his retirement from wrestling, Droz embarked on a new path as a motivational speaker, sharing his story and promoting messages of resilience and overcoming adversity.
Darren Drozdov’s legacy extends beyond his wrestling career. He serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and sacrifices involved in professional wrestling, as well as the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His impact on the industry and his ability to inspire others continue to resonate, making him an unforgettable figure in the world of wrestling.
His memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will live on within the rich history of professional wrestling.
