10 Wrestlers Who Nearly Died In Travelling Incidents

4. Kerry Von Erich Loses His Foot

A second generation pro wrestler from the legendary but cursed Von Erich family, Kerry Von Erich€™s real name was Kerry Adkisson, but like everyone else in his family who entered the business, he used the name €˜Von Erich€™ to honour his father, Fritz Von Erich. A promising star, Kerry would have a short run in the WWF and a longer one in many promotions across the country in the eighties and early nineties. But Von Erich had a secret, one virtually no one in the business knew: he only had one foot. In June 1986, Kerry Von Erich was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident, and was nearly killed €“ as it was, he seriously injured his right leg, and dislocated his hip. His right foot continued to cause him problems after surgery (allegedly, Von Erich tried to rehab the foot too early after surgery, re-injuring it), and eventually doctors had no choice but to amputate it. Astonishing, Kerry Von Erich would return to the ring and continue to wrestle, almost without missing a beat. He would keep his condition a secret inside and outside the business, wearing a prosthetic foot to the ring and even showering wearing his boots. Very few people were even aware that the accident had been that serious. Tragically, there were further consequences to the accident that nearly ended his life. Von Erich would become addicted to painkillers, which led to other, more serious drug problems, which in turn led to trouble with the law and the breakdown of his marriage, as well as significant mental instability. There€™s a good reason the Von Erich family is considered to be cursed. Fritz himself would outlive five of his six sons. Michael and Chris committed suicide in 1987 and 1991, and in 1993 Kerry would follow them. In fact, Bret Hart tells the story that Kerry spoke to him, shortly before he shot himself in the heart, and told him that he could hear his four dead brothers calling him€