Wrestling Deaths 2015

-- May 15: Wrestling writer/producer Joseph A. Franciosi has died, according to Southern California co-workers and colleagues. Franciosi was a writer for Championship Wrestling From Hollywood and previously wrote for WWE.

CWFH tweeted: "We are all saddened with the loss of Joe Franciosi a/k/a Schmo. He was a beloved member of our family and will be deeply missed. Our love and thoughts are with his wife and two children during his tragic time. We love you Joe and will truly be missed."

Samoa Joe tweeted: "Rest in Peace Joe Franciosi. I love you brother, see you on the other side..."

Colleague Stu Stone posted a detailed Facebook blog HERE.

-- April 27: AWA legend & promoter Verne Gagne died at the age of 89. [ Full Story HERE ] [ PWTorch Livecast Audio Interview Coverage HERE ] [ PWTorch Newsletter Cover Story HERE ]

-- April 6: The New Zealand Herald reports that long-time wrestling promoter Steve Rickard died at the age of 85 in New Zealand. Rickard was a wrestler before he was a promoter and TV producer. Rickard was also on the NWA Board of Directors in the mid-1990s when Shane Douglas infamously threw down the NWA Title and introduced the ECW Title. [ LINK: Report HERE ]

-- March 21: El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, one of the top stars in Mexico, shockingly died following a major injury during a match in Tijuana, Mexico. [ LINK: Full Details HERE ]

-- March 20: The Southern California independent wrestler known as Cincinnati Red (Gregory Daves) has died according to reports in California.

SoCalUncensored.com reports that according to SoCal promoter Jesse Hernandez, Red died of a heart attack at the age of 40.

Christopher Daniels, who was part of Red's era of future stars coming out of SoCal, tweeted Friday night: "Just heard of Cincinnati Red's passing. One of the first guys I worked with in CA. RIP Red, tomorrow we walk that aisle for you!"

-- February 9: Scottish wrestling legend Drew McDonald (Charles Shaw) died after a battle with cancer at the age of 59. McDonald, who inspired future stars William Regal & Finlay & current Diva Paige, was one of the top heels in the U.K. as part of the "World of Sport" TV show. [ LINK: Full Tribute from Glasgow.STV.TV HERE ]

-- January 27: East Coast independent wrestler Larry Winters reportedly died of a heart attack.

-- January 16: Territory era wrestler Johnny Thunder (John Stewart) died at the age of 80, reports Cincinnati.com. Stewart reportedly died of prostate cancer following a three-year battle.

Stewart, who worked with Andre the Giant and the Original Sheik, was a greeter at Kroger's in Newport, Ky. up until a few weeks before his death. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Fares. J. Radel Funeral Home in Newport. A memorial service will follow. [ LINK: Local News Report HERE ]

-- January 7: The wrestler who played The Zombie on the first WWE-branded ECW episode in 2006 has reportedly died. Zombie, played by Tim Roberts (Tim Arson on the independents), was found dead in his bed overnight, according to PWInsider.

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