AP: Wrestler collapses before match, later dies

Jun 9, 2011 - by Steve Gerweck

HARRISON, Ark. (AP) – Authorities say a professional wrestler has died after he collapsed before a match at the Northwest Arkansas District Fairgrounds in Harrison.

The Harrison Daily Times reported Wednesday that 39-year-old Robert Dale Phipps of Harrison collapsed without warning Saturday as he waited in the ring for his opponent to enter. Doctors said he suffered a massive heart attack.

Phipps was taken to a Harrison hospital, and then put in a helicopter to be flown to a hospital at Springfield, Mo. He suffered another seizure while in the air and the helicopter made an emergency landing at Skaggs Hospital in Branson, Mo., where doctors say he died Monday

A funeral is scheduled Friday at Holt Memorial Chapel in Harrison.

Phipps wrestled under the stage name of “Real Deal” Adrian Steel for the Mid-States Wrestling promotion.

(thanks to Mike Informer)


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