Former pro wrestler, Jimmy Rave, is dead at 39 after a triple amputation. He had his legs and an arm amputated after struggling with drug addiction.
Rave, whose given name was James Michael Guffey, was an Atlanta native and entered the professional wrestling world in 1999. He was a two-time National Wrestling Alliance junior heavyweight champion. He also made appearances on World Wrestling Entertainment’s Sunday Night Heat. His career spanned into last year. He made the announcement of his retirement after an infection was found in his right arm.
“This was the hardest thing I have ever had to type,” Rave tweeted. “Please take your health much more seriously than I did. Support pro wrestling!”
Rave began to have trouble walking. He announced this to his fans in October.
“He (the doctor) determined I had MRSA in both legs & they needed to be amputated immediately,” Rave tweeted. “Promoters can tell you along with my peers, I’ve had a history w/ this and would cancel shows often due to this condition.”
Condolences poured in on social media following the announcement of his passing. Wrestling great Mick Foley was one of the prominent voices to share about his friend. When Rave was going through his amputations, Foley had helped raise money to cover medical costs.
Rave’s daughter, Kailah Guffey, started a fundraiser to honor her father and cover funeral expenses. So far, $1600 has been donated.
“The last time I talked to him, he told me how much he loved me and how he was so proud of me for following my dreams to become a teacher,” Guffey said. “I’m so thankful that I was able to have that as our last conversation.”
He is survived by his ex-wife, son, daughter and parents.
Rave’s memorial service will be held in Georgia.
