As we previously reported, ECW original Axl Rotten passed away yesterday at the age of 44. Pro Wrestling Sheet spoke with his mother, Maria Leydig, who believes it was an overdose that killed him. She said that Axl, real name Brian Knighton, “lost his battle with his demon.” An autopsy is scheduled to happen today.
There have been reports that claimed he died of an overdose inside a motel room, but he was actually found dead in his car outside of a McDonalds. Police told his family and friends that he went into cardiac arrest. No drugs or drug paraphernalia were found in his car or the McDonalds bathroom. There was a motel nearby, but no rooms were booked under his name. Also, the neighborhood he was in was said to have been a rough one.
Leydig added: “Wrestling was what Brian lived and breathed. He loved his fans. Please pray for him and may God hold him in his arms forever.“
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