5. The Von Erichs
One of the most tragic tales in wrestling history is the story of the Von Erich family. Blessed with all of the athletic gifts a family could want, five boys entered professional wrestling and only one made it out alive. The patriarch of the Von Erich clan, Fritz Von Erich (real name: Jack Adkisson), was a heel in the 1960s, playing an evil German who utilized the dreaded Iron Claw as his finishing move. While never a top draw in the business, Fritz had a dream that his five sons were going to be the next great superstars of wrestling and he would do anything to ensure their success. Kevin Von Erich, wrestling barefoot and utilizing a unique offense, is the only surviving brother. Kevin fought alongside his brothers in legendary feuds against the likes of Ric Flair and the Fabulous Freebirds. Their feud with the Freebirds sold out the Sportatorium more times than can be counted and the Von Erich boys became the object of envy for the men and affection for the women. "The Yellow Rose of Texas" David Von Erich was the son that was tapped for superstar status by Fritz. David had a feud with Ric Flair over the NWA heavyweight title and rumors were swirling that David was finally going to get the title at the next outdoor show in Texas. Unfortunately, before the title change could take place, David died in Tokyo at the age of 25. While the official report was that David died of acute enteritis, many wrestlers have gone on record as saying they believe it was a drug overdose. Kerry Von Erich was by far the best-known member of the Von Erich clan. Known as the "Modern Day Warrior" in Texas and "The Texas Tornado" in the WWF, Kerry possessed an unbelievable look and great charisma. After the death of David, Kerry defeated Ric Flair for the NWA title at the David Von Erich tribute show but only held the belt for three weeks before dropping it back to Flair. In 1986, a motorcycle accident left him with a severely injured foot that required amputation. The injury should have ended Kerry's wrestling career but he continued performing, developing a pain killer addiction. In 1993, facing jail time for a drug conviction, Kerry Von Erich shot and killed himself at the age of 33. Mike Von Erich was unique in that he had no interest in becoming a wrestler and was actually pushed into the ring by Fritz following David's death. Mike suffered a shoulder injury in the ring and developed toxic shock syndrome following surgery. This should have a caused a long recovery time, according to Ric Flair, Fritz forced Mike back into the ring far too early and was never able to regain the strength in his arm. Mike committed suicide in April 1987 at the age of 23. Finally, Chris Von Erich had the unfortunate luck of being the shortest, smallest, and least athletic of the Von Erich family. Chris was only 5'5, had asthma, and had bones that would break performing the smallest bumps. Chris clearly didn't belong in the ring but still was given the opportunity. Upset at the death of his brother Mike and unable to make it as a wrestler, Chris committed suicide in 1991 at the age of 21.