Leon White, known by wrestling fans as Big Van Vader — or simply Vader — passed away on Monday of heart failure. He was 63.
His son, Jesse White, confirmed his death Wednesday on Twitter, posting a picture of his father sitting next to a heavyweight wrestling champion belt.
“It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm,” he wrote.
It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm.
“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.”
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.
WWE confirmed the news in their own post saying, “WWE is saddened to learn that Leon White, better known to WWE audiences as Vader, passed away Monday night at the age of 63.”
WWE is saddened to learn that Leon White, better known to WWE audiences as Vader, passed away Monday night at the age of 63. https://www.wwe.com/article/vader-passes-away?sf192206987=1 …
Besides his time in the ring, Vader also made appearances in TV shows and films, including guest appearances on Boy Meets World.
Fans and celebrities took to Twitter to give their condolences to the White family. WWE producer Devon Hughes, also known by the wrestling name D-Von Dudley, wrote, “My prayers and thoughts go out to the family Of truly one of the greatest big men to step foot in the ring. Vader my friend May you R.I.P.”
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family Of truly one of the greatest big men to step foot in the ring. Vader my friend May you R.I.P
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Leon “Baby Bull” White aka “Big” Van Vader! My prayers of strength go out to his family at this time, I’m sorry for your loss. #RIPVADER
“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Leon “Baby Bull” White aka “Big” Van Vader! My prayers of strength go out to his family at this time, I’m sorry for your loss. #RIPVADER”
