UPDATE x 2: TMZ.com has posted a story on the death of Matt “Doink the Clown” Borne. Numerous other media outlets are starting to pick up on the story as well and that will continue over the weekend. Here is the TMZ.com article:
Ex-WWE star Doink the Clown — a hugely popular wrestler in the ’90s — was found dead today in Texas.
Doink, real name Matt Osborne, was known for pulling pranks on the other wrestlers … all while decked out in full greasepaint and a green wig.
Details about Doink’s death are unclear at this point — but his girlfriend reportedly found him dead in her home … where he’d been staying lately.
After leaving the WWE, he continued wrestling for ECW and independent leagues … still sporting the clown costume.
More recently, he’s been attending wrestling conventions and doing autograph sessions with fans.
Doink was 55.
UPDATE: We reported this afternoon that Matt Osborne, who originally portrayed Doink the Clown on WWE programming in the early-1990’s, was found dead today by his girlfriend. WWE has issued a statement regarding his passing.
“Reports indicate that Matt Osborne, aka the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. A rugged brawler in promotions like Mid-South Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, Osborne made a major impact in WWE under the greasepaint of a prankster named Doink — one of the most enduring personas of the early ’90s.
“WWE is saddened by the news of Osborne’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne’s family, friends and fans.”
The sports-entertainment organization is celebrating Osborne’s time as Doink the Clown, with a a look at his greatest moments as well as a photo retrospective. WWE is also asking fans to share their memories of Doink the Clown on the WWE Classics Facebook page.
ORIGINAL: Matt Osbourne, known to wrestling fans as Matt Borne/the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. He was 55. He had been staying in Texas recently, and was found this morning by his girlfriend. More details as they become available.
On behalf of everyone here on the website, I would like to extend our condolences to the family, friend and fans of Mr. Osbourne.
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