Our deepest condolences to dedicated, loving, supporting wife and mother Dana Hellwig aka Dana A. Warrior for the passing of her husband, 54-year-old Warrior Hellwig, one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.
Just days ago, Dana’s husband had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30.
According to a statement from a spokesman for the Scottsdale Police Department, Hellwig collapsed while walking with his wife, Dana, to their car at the Gainy Suites Hotel in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Scottsdale Fire Department transported Hellwig to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead soon after arrival.
43-year-old Dana A. Hellwig (nee. Viale) also known as Dana Warrior was born in 1970, the daughter of John and Joyce Viale dated Jim Hellwig for four years before they got married Warrior on January 31, 1999, they became the proud parents of two children, daughters Indiana Marin “Indy” Warrior who was born in 2000 and Mattigan Twain Warrior, born December 16, 2002. She is currently the president at the Warrior´s gym in Scottsdale Ultimate Creations Inc.
Dana’s hall of famer husband was previously married to Shari Lynn Tyree, the former couple remained together for the majority of Warrior’s WWF career from 1982 to 1991.
Talking about their family name during an interview he said
“No matter that we live in contemporary times, when two people decide they want to rebuild family tradition, tradition not handed down by their own ancestors, they can, and it can be incredible.”
Her celebrated husband was best known for his extremely muscular physique, long, shaggy hair and colorful face paint.
The WWE released a statement on its website about The Warrior’s passing
“WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.”
Hellwig, who had his name legally changed to Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter.
The Ultimate Warrior was a force to be reckoned with during his superstar run in the WWF and WCW. During his time in the WWF, he captured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship and won the WWF Intercontinental Championship on two occasions.
During his later years as a non-WWE wrestler, Warrior became the Nu-Wrestling Evolution World Heavyweight Champion.
Online sources point at this point in the investigation, it appears as though a catastrophic medical condition caused his death. Dana, her husband and beautiful little girls lived in in New Mexico.
RIP Ultimate Warrior.
Dana is devastated and has been receiving support from the WWE, she released a letter to her beloved husband’s fans.
Dearest Warriors,
It is with an absolutely broken heart I reach out to you. Since the passing of my husband, I have been fortunate enough to insulate my sweet girls and myself from the outside world. In this bubble we have grieved and continue to do so. For a week, I did not allow any television or media to seep through our cocoon. I was told, though, of the outpouring of love for my beloved husband and support for, as he always called us, his Warrior Girls. I can only say thank you.
On Sunday night, I was told WWE would pay tribute to Warrior and so I set the DVR planning to watch it when we were ready. As the hour neared, I broke resolve and turned on every TV in the house to full blast and snuggled our daughters close to me on the couch, unsure what we would see. As the scene unfolded with that amazing roster of talent gathered donning Ultimate Warrior shirts and even his face paint, we cheered and sobbed simultaneously. To everyone who stood there, thank you. My girls will remember your bowed heads for the rest of their lives. You are not just Superstars; you are super people.
I cannot put words to what that video tribute meant. We watched it multiple times and, this morning, it was how I started my day; mornings are the hardest for me. I will treasure that song and those images more than anything I own. Vindication. ULTIMATE PERFECTION.
I was told it was reported WWE was “there” for us. “There” is the understatement of a lifetime. They were a warm blanket to us three and we were quickly absorbed into their family. Words are cheap; promises are forever. This family is one I’m honored to be a member of and will gladly be the warm blanket to any of them who need me next.
My husband’s speech had so many highlights for me as I sat proudly in the audience looking on at his moment … I most loved his request for the Hall of Fame to include the, as he called them, “true Superstars,” those behind-the-scenes people who make the machine run. See, I’m the person who puts up the ring in our house. I’m the background person who makes things happen seamlessly. I am surrounded by performers in my husband and children, so I felt a kinship with all the people he wanted to shine a spotlight upon who make WWE work. He loved you all, and knew that each of you made his run there possible. Thank you!
To all the ULTIMATE WARRIOR fans: THANK YOU!! He told me when he shook the ropes it was him gathering strength from each of you. Warrior respected you and loved you as do the girls and I. I will reach out to the ropes for your strength to sustain me in the sad days that the girls and I face. UNWAVERING is what you’ve been. GRATEFUL is what we are.
The Undertaker and I have a lot more in common than you might think. You see, I had a bit of a streak of my own going for the last 20 years. Yes, Warrior and I would have matches of our own … He would yell, I would cry, he would submit, I would win – always. My quivering chin and “pooched” lip was always more powerful than any clothesline or gorilla press slam. He’d laugh and shake his head and say,”you win, Pooch,” but really we both did.
My streak was broken April 8, 2014 when he collapsed. I fought and screamed and cried for him not to leave me, but I wasn’t to win this round. Heaven won and I lost, but I had the ULTIMATE love for 20 years and my children learned to be Warriors from THE ULTIMATE DAD. I wouldn’t trade a moment of the life we shared, good or bad, for anything on God’s green earth. He is the love of my life and gave me the gift of our beautiful, sweet, amazing girls. He was loyal and kind and strong and brave. He taught me to live by his creed,”Live Strong, Act Bold, Be Brave. Nothing’s too hard to do, ALWAYS BELIEVE,” and with that creed I will carry on and make him proud.
Streaks are broken but legends live forever.
Always Believe,
Dana A. Warrior
