What Was Gene LeBell's Cause of Death? Legendary Wrestler Dead at 89

What was Gene LeBell's cause of death?

LeBell tragically left the industry after working on several projects in the past decades. According to his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, he died on Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks.

The representative did not tell The Hollywood Reporter Gene Lebell's exact cause of death. But he noted that he passed away in his sleep.

His friend, Bas Rutten, also revealed the news on Facebook (via MMA Fighting). He called the late wrestler the "toughest man" he ever knew.

"The great Gene Lebell, toughest man I know, has passed away and left us at the age of 89. My deepest condolences to his lovely wife Midge, his kids and all his other family members and friends. You will be greatly missed Gene, I love you my friend, till we meet again!" he wrote.

He famously became a judo champion, wrestler, and stuntman before his death. In fact, he even became the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

Following the confirmation of his tragic passing, his colleagues and fans paid tribute to him and expressed their heartbreak over his passing.

Triple H said, "Gene LeBell remained a towering figure in the history and expansion of mixed martial arts and sports entertainment. A teacher to many of the sport's greats, his influence is felt throughout @WWE to this day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time."

Gene LeBell’s acting & stunt credits were unmatched. From 1961-2012. If there was a wrestling episode, he was almost always the ref. From The Beverly Hillbillies & The Munsters to Taxi and Rush Hour, an insane side-legacy. pic.twitter.com/93GL6QP0fw
— RJ City (@RJCity1) August 10, 2022

Gene LeBell's Legacy

LeBell started in martial arts when he was just 7 years old. At that time, he began learning catch wrestling through Ed "Strangler" Lewis.

Despite that, he chose to focus on judo and managed to become a black belter following his training in the US and Japan.

In 1963, he went back to martial arts and fought against Milo Savage during a mixed-rules fight. He won that fight in the fourth round. Meanwhile, for 14 years, LeBell tried the role of a pro wrestling promoter and served as the referee in famous fights, including the bout between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in 1976.

Due to his capabilities, he was tapped to become a stuntman and actor in different flicks. He worked with Bruce Lee in "The Green Hornet," and his appearance became the inspiration for a character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time ... In Hollywood."

Before his death, LeBell served as a judge in MMA events until 2018.