He reportedly suffered a heart attack while driving in Tampa.
"Macho Man" Randy Savage (AP file photo)Professional wrestler Randy "Macho Man" Savage has died in an automobile accident in Tampa after suffering a heart attack, according to msnbc.com. He was 58.
The one-time minor league baseball player, whose real name was Randall Mario Poffo, was a huge draw for what was then known as the WWF in the 1980s. He was known for his "Oooooh yeaaaaah!" catch phrase and signature finishing move - an elbow drop from the top rope. He also wrestled for World Championship Wrestling before retiring in 1999.
WWE CEO Vince McMahon issued a statement: "Poffo was under contract with WWE from 1985 to 1993 and held both the WWE and Intercontinental Championships. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. We wish a speedy recovery to his wife Lynn. Poffo will be greatly missed by WWE and his fans."
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Savage's vehicle, a 2009 Jeep Wrangler, was traveling west on SR-694 when it went out of control just west of the intersection of 113th Street North.The Jeep went over the raised concrete median divider, crossed over the eastbound lanes and hit a tree head-on, the report said, adding that a woman passenger suffered minor injuries.
Word of his death traveled swiftly on Twitter. Said wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan: "He had so much life in his eyes & his spirit, I just pray that he's happy and in a better place and we miss him."
"You were one of my childhood inspirations and heroes," tweeted Duane "The Rock" Johnson. "Strength, love and prayers to the Savage/Poffo family."
Added "Rowdy" Roddy Piper: "Too sad to tweet."
The New York Daily News reported that Savage had just celebrated his first anniversary with his new wife, Lynn. He was previously married to wrestling manager Elizabeth Heulette, who died in 2003 from a lethal combination of drugs and booze.