In the 1980’s the Von Erich family reached the pinnacle of the world of wrestling. However, as they reach the top, their world rings with a series of family tragedies.
Jack Adkisson is better known to wrestling fans as Fritz Von Erich who owns and operates World Wrestling Entertainment (WCCW) based in Dallas Texas During the peak years of 1982-85, the promotion was one of the most popular wrestling promotions in operation.
Fritz’s main talent pool revolved around his sons, Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike and Chris Von Erich. While WCCW was running to the top of the bad guys, it was starting a decent downward spiral as the tragedy of the running backs continued.
The first loss to affect the family was the death of Jack Adkisson Jr. at the age of 7, he was electrocuted in an accident and drowned in a puddle.
David Von Erich was the next loss the family would suffer. In Japan in 1984, where he was about to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, David was found dead in his hotel room. While the official cause of death is listed as heart attack caused by a ruptured intestine. There has been much speculation that Hesi died of poison. David 25 years born.
Mike Von Erich was the next in line of bad luck to hit the Von Erich family. The second youngest son Fritz was not interested in performing in the ring, he wanted to work in the business, but rather behind the scenes. It is revealed that after the death of David Fritz, Mike was pushed to work in the ring so that his brothers could take their place. Mike suffered a shoulder injury in 1985 and developed a harmful syndrome that never allowed him to heal properly forcing him to 100% in the ring in retirement He became ever more depressed and in 1987 he became aware of his own death in overflowing tranquility. Mike was 23 years old.
Christopher Von Erich’s youngest son Fritz had a number of medical issues that never allowed him to fully compete in the ring. He suffered from a condition in which his bones became so weak that they were often broken by the slightest movement of the ring. Chris became depressed and frustrated with losing his brothers and not being able to stand up to Von Erich in the ring. In 1991 Chris realized he was shooting himself in the head. Chris was 21 years old.
Kerry Von Erich in the “Modern Day Warrior” was probably the most famous and popular of the Von Erich boys. Kerry held many championships while working in the ring and found success in the league he was always working on. But Kerry must face more adversity in even after the funerals of his brothers. A motorcycle accident in 1986 resulted in the amputation of Kerry’s right leg, although he would return to the ring wearing a prosthesis and keeping this a secret from fans and other wrestlers. Kerry also battled the demons of drug addiction and after being convicted of cocaine possession and the possibility of much prison time, Kerry realized his death by shooting himself in the heart Fritz’s village in 1993. Kerry was 33 years old.
Kevin Von Erich is the only surviving son of Fritz, while daughter Kerry Lacey and son Kevin Ross are said to be in the squared circle and continue the Von Erich wrestling legacy. Fighting fans can only hope that it remains a legacy and not a tragedy.
