Yokohama, JAPAN (AR) - The professional wrestling world was shocked and saddened by the news of the loss of Leon White, 46, known to fans all over the world as Big Van Vader, to an apparent steroid and alcohol overdose.
"We think he overdid himself and took too many pills. Drugs and alcohol just don't mix", said inspecting investigator Cheng. At this point they are not suspecting any foul-play.
White was a collegiate athlete, spending most of his time on the football field. He made his professional wrestling debut under the name "Baby Bull" in the now defunct American Wrestling Association. His rise to fame and popularity came with his move to All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he officially took the name "Big Van Vader"
White had success in World championship wrestling, becoming it's World Champion on three separate occassions. White has been inactive in the United States since his brief stint with then World Wrestling Federation in 1997. White had been wrestling in Japan, until he made an appearance at the Febuary 19 show for The National Wrestling Alliance.
White was found early yesterday morning while on tour in Japan. "There were bottles." said Cheng. "We believe them to be anabolic steroids." White is just the latest in a string of wrestling deaths which included either drugs, steroids or a deadly combination of the two. White was born June 10th, 1957 and leaves behind a wife of twenty two years, Leah and two sons Luke and John. Leon White was 46.
"We think he overdid himself and took too many pills. Drugs and alcohol just don't mix", said inspecting investigator Cheng. At this point they are not suspecting any foul-play.
White was a collegiate athlete, spending most of his time on the football field. He made his professional wrestling debut under the name "Baby Bull" in the now defunct American Wrestling Association. His rise to fame and popularity came with his move to All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he officially took the name "Big Van Vader"
White had success in World championship wrestling, becoming it's World Champion on three separate occassions. White has been inactive in the United States since his brief stint with then World Wrestling Federation in 1997. White had been wrestling in Japan, until he made an appearance at the Febuary 19 show for The National Wrestling Alliance.
White was found early yesterday morning while on tour in Japan. "There were bottles." said Cheng. "We believe them to be anabolic steroids." White is just the latest in a string of wrestling deaths which included either drugs, steroids or a deadly combination of the two. White was born June 10th, 1957 and leaves behind a wife of twenty two years, Leah and two sons Luke and John. Leon White was 46.
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