A former WWE wrestling champion is dead after police say he tried to hang himself inside a Tennessee jail cell over the weekend.
TMZ reports that Brian Christopher Lawler, 46, also known as “Grandmaster Sexay” was pronounced dead on Sunday after reportedly attempting to hang himself inside a Memphis jail cell at the Hardeman County Jail. Authorities found the wrestler unconscious and rushed him to a hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries at around 3:40 p.m. CST.
Lawler has been behind bars since July 7, after police spotted him allegedly speeding at around 1 a.m. According to police, officers attempted to pull Lawler over but he sped away, prompting a chase. Officers eventually caught up with him and noted he smelled strongly of alcohol. They also noted a 12-ounce can of beer inside his car, and arrested him. A judge later set his bond at $40,000.
Family surrounded Lawler as he took his last breath.
Tragically, Brian Christopher's death has been confirmed.https://t.co/YL7mjeN6YX
— WhatCultureWrestling (@WhatCultureWWE) July 29, 2018
WWE released a public statement following the news of the wrestler’s death.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Brian Christopher Lawler, who is best known in WWE as Too Cool’s Grandmaster Sexay, has passed away. Lawler, who is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, competed during the height of the Attitude Era. WWE extends its condolences to Lawler’s family, friends and fans.”
At the time of his death, Brian was being treated for cancer. Last year, his cancer jumped from stage 2 to stage 4, and in order to survive, according to DailyMail, his doctor reportedly told him he needed surgery, a procedure he allegedly could not afford. A non-profit organization stepped in to help him with medical expenses.
Lawler was he son of Jerry Lawler, a former wrestler an legendary WWE star.
Brian Lawler was 46 when he passed away.
[Feature Photo: Brain Lawler/Handout]
