WWE star Vader dead at age 63 after losing two-year long battle with congestive heart failure

Retired WWE star Big Van Vader, or just Vader, has died at 63-years-old after a long two-year battle with congestive heart failure.

His son Jesse Allen White, who briefly following in his wrestling footsteps with the WWE, took to Twitter to confirm his legendary father’s passing Monday night.  

‘Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time,’ White, who wrestled under the name Jake Carter, wrote.

At 6’4 and weighing in at 450 pounds, the wrestling legend Vader, aka Leon Allen White, has died at age 63

His son, Jesse White (pictured together) who briefly followed in his dad's wrestling footsteps as Jake Carter, confirmed the news of his father's death on Monday night 

His son, Jesse White (pictured together) who briefly followed in his dad’s wrestling footsteps as Jake Carter, confirmed the news of his father’s death on Monday night 

Vader underwent open heart surgery in March and he was progressing well after the operation, until his health took a sudden turn for the worse, and was just unable to recover, according to TMZ.   

The 6’4, 450 pound Vader, whose legal name is Leon Allen White, was a successful football player before his wrestling debut.

He was a college football player and quickly became a star at the University of Colorado where he became a two-time All-American offensive lineman.  

After college, he was drafted by the Rams in 1978 and made it all the way to Super Bowl XIV against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Vader was featured in TV shows such as Baywatch and Boy Meets World (pictured) 

Vader was featured in TV shows such as Baywatch and Boy Meets World (pictured) 

The all around athlete was a massive success in wrestling, and a fan favorite. 

He became the WCW heavyweight champ three times over.

In the WWE he often faced off with their literally biggest stars like The Undertaker and Kane.

His persona also scored him appearances on TV shows ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Boy Meets World.’ 



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