Leon White (Big Van Vader) passed away on Monday night due to complications from pneumonia according to statements issued by his son on Twitter.
White was 63 years old.
White’s son wrote:
“Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time.”
White, a former WCW and IWGP Heavyweight Champion, had been battling health issues in recent years, including undergoing heart surgery in early May.
Two years ago, White revealed publicly that he had congestive heart failure and was told that that he had around two years to live as a result of the diagnosis. He first underwent open heart surgery back in March and was forced to another surgery in May. White was then hospitalized in April noting he was having trouble breathing.
As of this writing, WWE has yet to issue an official statement.
It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm. pic.twitter.com/dP4CNaMuXa
— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) June 20, 2018
Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time. pic.twitter.com/hJYjumvxjH
— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) June 20, 2018
On behalf of the entire staff here at Wrestleview.com, we would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Leon White during this hard time.