He had struggled with drug addiction, his loved ones said in a statement
American wrestler Jimmy Rave has died aged 39.
He had given up wrestling just over a year ago due to multiple health problems.
However, Rave had worked for some of the biggest wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor, Japan Pro Wrestling, Dragon Gate and Combat Zone Wrestling.
A statement posted on social media by his daughter Kailah and wrestling professional Bill Behrens read: “James Michael Guffey has died at the age of 39. James was best known as Professional Wrestler, Jimmy Rave. His career, which started in 1999, continued for over two decades.
“Jimmy had been struggling with drug addiction for many years. His struggles resulted in the amputation of his arm, and, later, both of his legs.
The statement also said how Jimmy had also been Director of a Peer Support, Wellness and Respite Centre “outside of wrestling” for “several years.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNLN8AAgCM_/
The Centre Jimmy worked at is funded by a US State Department – a massive lifeline to people in America, where most healthcare is incredibly expensive – and offers mental health support and respite to people struggling.
Two months ago Rave announced on social media that both of his legs had to be amputated after he’d contracted MSRA, a type of bacteria that resists antibiotic treatment.
In October he wrote on Twitter: “This past June I began having trouble walking & went to my surgeon. He determined I had MRSA in both legs & they needed to be amputated immediately.
“Promoters can tell you along with my peers, I’ve had a history w/this and would cancel shows often due to this condition.”
Rave had been sharing some of his US medical bills on social media before his death, asking fans if they could help with making some of the payments.
Fellow wrestlers had been sharing their messages of support, with one celebrating “what a difference the wrestling community can make”
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1465150404640100365
When he died, Rave was living in the Philadelphia area with his fiancée Gabby Gilbert, also a pro wrestler.
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