ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A professional wrestling legend died Wednesday morning after being hit by a truck while crossing a busy North Hills road.
Thomas Sullivan, 71, better known as WWE Hall of Famer "Luscious" Johnny Valiant, was struck before dawn on McKnight Road in Ross Township, police said. He was not at a crosswalk.
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer “Luscious” Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71,” WWE tweeted.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer “Luscious” Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71. https://t.co/vNfhyVo3Pb
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2018
Channel 11 News was first to break the news that Sullivan had died.
“The driver of the truck stayed here on the scene. There's no indication that this was anything other than a terrible accident at this point, but we're still investigating,” said Det. Brian Kohlhepp.
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Sullivan, who was struck near the Siebert Road intersection, died at a hospital.
According to the World Wrestling Entertainment website, Sullivan's heyday was in the 1970s and early 80s, when he won two tag team titles with his brothers.
R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant....Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career.
— Luke Gallows (@LukeGallowsWWE) April 5, 2018
He later managed wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, and served as a commentator.
Johnny Valiant's #WWEHOF acceptance speech is one of the best ever. #ripjohnnyv
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) April 5, 2018
Sullivan was inducted into the hall of fame in 1996.
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