For all the stick that the sports entertainment branch of wrestling gets for not being in any way real, those who play a part in the matches and story lines put themselves through an unbelievable amount of risk. Sometimes they get lucky and their injuries simply add to the show, as Mick Foley infamously managed after being mangled badly in a Hell In The Cell contest with The Undertaker in 1998. However, sometimes the danger becomes too real, and can end the career of a performer. Unfortunately for Owen Hart, not only did a stunt end his career, but it also took his life. Hart's gimmick at the time was that of an oafish and clumsy superhero, known as the Blue Blazer, and, in keeping with his character, he was scheduled to make a grand entrance at the Over The Edge event. The idea was for Hart to be lowered from the rafters in a harness, only to get suck inches above the ring, then be released, landing comically flat on his face. What instead happened was the quick release mechanism was accidentally activated whilst Hart was just beginning his descent, causing him to drop 24ft to the ground. Hart's chest impacted with the top rope, catapulting him into the ring, where it is believed he died from blunt trauma before he could be removed. Whilst it is extremely fortunate that the incident was not broadcast, thanks to the planned delay, there was nothing to prevent the in house audience from witnessing the fall. Hart was a big name in wrestling at the time, and his status and youth (he was only 34 at the time) only add to the horrendous tragedy which was his death. Do you know of any more unfortunate entertainers who have died in the act of doing what they love? Let us know in the comment section below.
