FORMER WWE wrestling champion Eddie Guerrero has died suddenly at the age of
38 - after collapsing the morning before he was due to fight for the world
title again.
Eddie was also set to perform in front of sell-out crowds on a WWE tour of
Britain and Europe starting this week.
The Latino star, real name Eduardo Guerrero, was found dead this morning in
his hotel room in Minneapolis, America.
He leaves a wife Vickie and three daughters, Shaul, 14, Sherilyn, 9, and
Kaylie Marie, 3.
Eddie was in Minneapolis to take part in the main event of the WWE's
Smackdown television show, where he was due to wrestle champion Batista and
Randy Orton in a match for the world title.
With Batista recently suffering an injury, many expected Eddie to win the
gold and add to an illustrious career that has made him one of the best
wrestlers of his generation.
The news was broken to distraught fans by the WWE's website, which reported
everyone in the company "was deeply saddened by the news".
A popular star, with both fans and other wrestlers, Eddie will be remembered
for amazing matches with friends of his, including Chris Benoit, Rey
Mysterio and Kurt Angle.
He was also starting his life over again with his family and the WWE after
almost self-destructing on drink and drugs in 2001.
After finding religion and staying clean, Eddie was enjoying a remarkable
run as a headline star in the WWE - holding the world championship for four
months after beating Brock Lesnar in February 2004.
Family and friends started to worry about the star after a 7am wake up was
not answered.
A call from his nephew Chavo Guerrero to the room and knocks on the door
also went unanswered.
Security then opened the door and Eddie was found dead in the bathroom. He
is reported to have died with his toothbrush in his mouth.
The cause of death is currently unknown, although it is believed to be due
to heart failure.
