The wrestling world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of independent star Artist Artest, who collapsed during a live Xtreme Valley Wrestling event and later passed away at the hospital.
XVW broke the heartbreaking news in a statement on Facebook late Saturday night. It is with great sadness that I have the duty to inform the fans of XVW that after collapsing tonight at XVW, and being rushed to the hospital Artist Artest has passed away, the post read. We wish to send our condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Our staff worked tirelessly to keep him alive until the medics arrived. We will pause activities in remembrance of the life of Artest. Rest in peace champ.
Artest was carving out a name for himself on the independent circuit and had been training under TNA names like Ace Austin, Jake Crist, and Sami Callihan. Despite not yet reaching the mainstream, his impact on the indie scene was being felt, and many fans and peers saw his potential to rise through the ranks.
Incidents like this are a grim reminder of the physical toll professional wrestling takes on those who dedicate their lives to it. Wrestlers on all levelsfrom sold-out arenas to local gymsput their bodies on the line night in and night out to entertain. For Artest, it ended far too soon.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and with the entire XVW community as they come to terms with this devastating loss.
How do you think wrestling promotions should better ensure in-ring safety at the independent level? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments.
