Wrestling 'Dr Death' passes away
THE wrestling world was in mourning again today after the passing of 'Dr Death' Steve Williams.
Williams, a major global star throughout the 1980s and 1990s, died following a long battle with throat cancer aged 49.
The former All Japan heavyweight champion, who also enjoyed stints in WCW and WWE, was well respected throughout the industry with a reputation as being legitimately one of the toughest men to step foot inside the wrestling ring.
Born in Colorado, Williams was also an accomplished amateur wrestler and college American football player.
After being diagnosed with cancer he became an inspiration to many by successfully battling the disease for five years.
A number of TNA and WWE stars - including Taz, Daniels and Howard Finkel  went on Twitter last night to pay their respects.
Kevin Nash also wrote: "My condolences go out to Dr Death's family and friends. We lost a great one today!"
WWE also posted a tribute on their website, part of which reads: "An All-American football player and wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, Williams went on to wrestle in UWF, NWA, ECW, All Japan and WCW with Terry Gordy before joining WWE in 1998.
"In 2007, with his cancer in remission, William penned an inspirational book entitled How Dr Death became Dr Life.
"His trying journey infused in Williams a gentle perspective and a deeply spiritual commitment.
"WWE.com would like to offer Williams' family and loved ones our deepest condolences."
Williams' best friend in wrestling was Smackdown commentator Jim Ross.
JR has not yet commented on his pal's passing, but in a previous interview said: "Steve Williams, mentally and physically, is the toughest athlete I've ever seen in any walk of life or any sport, including the NFL  and he has a heart of gold."
A posting made yesterday on Steve William's official MySpace site, maintained by a close pal, said: " I regret to inform you that our good friend Steve Williams has lost his battle with cancer.
"I do not have all the facts other than he passed some time last night.
"I'm sure he would like to thank all you for your prayers.
"His fans meant everything to him. I will post info as I receive it."
El ex luchador estadounidense Steve Williams, también conocido como ''Dr. Death'' o ''Dr. Muerte'', murió ayer a los 49 años debido a un cáncer por el que fue operado en 2004. El auge de su carrera fue en las décadas del 80 y 90.

Williams nació el 14 de mayo de 1960 en Lakewood, Colorado. Fue entrenado originalmente en las artes marciales mixtas (MMA, por sus siglas en inglés) y empezó su carrera como luchador en 1979. Estuvo en diferentes empresas como MidSouth Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) y World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Fue Campeón mundial en parejas con Terry Gordy en la WCW. Además, por un corto periodo luchó para Ohio Valley Wrestling, y durante su estancia en WWE Raw trabajó con la superestrella Jack Swagger.

El deportista se retiró oficialmente este año, decisión que tomó después de la muerte de su amigo Mitsaharu Misawa. Su última lucha fue en Japón el pasado 25 de octubre.