The Tragic Death of Owen Hart: An Unforgettable Moment in WWE History

Professional wrestling lost one of its most beloved and iconic figures on May 23, 1999, when Owen Hart tragically died during a live pay-per-view event. The fall resulted in severe blunt force trauma, and despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. This article explores the circumstances of his death, the impact it had on the wrestling community, and the lessons learned from this tragic event.

The Incident

During an event in the WWE's Attitude Era, Owen Hart was scheduled to perform a high-flying stunt that involved repelling from the ceiling. However, the new harness he was using with a sensitive safety release latch came into play. There are differing accounts of what exactly happened, but the consensus is that either Hart repositioned the harness to get comfortable or the cape got caught in the device, causing him to accidentally release it and fall to his death. Unfortunately, he did not have a backup line, which he should have had. This contributed to the tragedy.

According to those who witnessed the incident, Hart exhibited remarkable courage and presence of mind. From the crowd, you could hear the impact of his fall, and people close to the ring saw that he was still breathing. Despite his injuries, he managed to survive for several minutes before passing away.

Final Words and Emotional Impact

Owen Hart's last words, as related by those present, were a sense of concern for safety: Watch out. This moment is one of the most difficult in professional wrestling history. His death stunned the entire industry, including Jim Ross and Paul The King Wight, who were present when the news was announced. Jim Ross's voice cracked with emotion as he relayed the devastating news to the live audience and television viewers.

An autopsy revealed that Hart hit the ropes when he came down, causing internal bleeding. He would have likely died much faster if he had made contact with the ground. Given his physical condition, he managed to stay conscious for several minutes, a testament to the severity of the injuries he sustained.

Impact on the Wrestling Community

The death of Owen Hart raised significant concerns about safety protocols in professional wrestling. This incident led to discussions and important changes within the industry. The tragedy deeply affected not only the wrestlers but also fans and the wrestling community as a whole. It brought to light the inherent risks of the high-flying stunts that often characterize professional wrestling.

Wrestling promotions were heavily criticized for not adequately ensuring the safety of their performers. The incident marked a turning point in professional wrestling, prompting a reevaluation of the industry's commitment to safety and the well-being of its performers.

Posthumous Recognition and Legacy

In recognition of his contributions and his tragic death, Owen Hart is remembered as a true hero of the sport. His character, The Blue Blazer, underwent a revival during the Attitude Era, where he was portrayed by Hart's brother, Scott. Hart's legacy continues to inspire and draw the hearts of wrestling fans around the world.

The memory of Owen Hart serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in professional wrestling. His death highlighted the need for constant vigilance and improved safety measures to protect not only current performers but also future generations of wrestlers.