Former Pro Wrestler Ultimate Warrior Dies At 54

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) James Hellwig, better known as former pro wrestler The Ultimate Warrior, has died, the WWE said. He was 54.

The WWE said Hellwig died Tuesday. Scottsdale, Ariz., police spokesman Sgt. Mark Clark said he collapsed while walking with his wife to their car at a hotel, and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Hellwig was one of pro wrestling's biggest stars in the late 1980s. He beat Hulk Hogan in a memorable match at Wrestlemania in 1990.

He was in the spotlight again earlier this week, making appearances at the latest Wrestlemania in New Orleans and on "Monday Night Raw," and being inducted into the WWE Hall of fame.

"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," WWE said in a statement, adding: "We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame."

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon tweeted: "We are all so sad the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters."

WATCH: Ultimate Warrior's speech on WWE Monday Night Raw the day before he died:

2014 WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior speaks: Raw, April 7, 2014 by WWE on YouTube

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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