WRESTLER UMAGA

Eki “Eddie” Fatu died in Houston on Friday after a massive heart attack, adding to a long list of professional wrestlers who died by the age of 40.Born in American Samoa, Fatu, 36, was a member of the famous Anoa'i wrestling family, which includes cousin Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, his two uncles, who wrestled as The Wild Samoans in the 1980s, and brothers, Sam "Tonga Kid" and Solofa Jr. "Rikishi," according to Wrestlers Rescue, a support group for retired professional wrestlers.Fatu, who was memorable for his distinct facial tattoos, comes from a large family of Samoan wrestlers who have influenced the business for several generations, beginning with his uncles, the brother combination of Afa and Sika Anoi’a, who formed a successful act known as “The Wild Samoans” in the 1970s and ’80s. The most famous member of the clan is cousin Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who left wrestling for Hollywood fame.
Edward “Umaga” Fatu will be greatly missed in not only the wrestling world, in Panther Nation, and in his community, but by those he loved most, his family…our thoughts and prayers go out to them.