Minnesota Wrestling Icon Verne Gagne Dead At 89
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota has lost an iconic face in wrestling -- Verne Gagne has passed away at the age of 89.
Laverne Clarence "Verne" Gagne touched almost every part of the sport -- he was a wrestler, announcer, promoter and owner of the American Wrestling Association in Minneapolis.
Gagne was the AMA Heavyweight Champion 16 times, and held the world record for most combined days as a world champion. He's one of just six men inducted into all four wrestling halls of fame.
In recent years, Gagne had been struggling with Alzheimer's Disease. The cause of death is not yet known.
Verne Gagne was our Saturday night All Star Wrestling hero. From his "sleeper hold" to Marty O'Neill and Wally Karbo, R.I.P Verne
— Mark Rosen (@KFANRosen) April 28, 2015