Former WWE star 'The Outlaw' Ron Bass dies at 68
Ronald Heard, best known as "The Outlaw" Ron Bass, passed away Tuesday at the age of 68, WWE confirmed.
BREAKING: WWE is saddened to learn that Ronald Heard, known as “Outlaw” Ron Bass, has passed away at the age of 68. https://t.co/siT6YCpvVv pic.twitter.com/91RQwfcocz
— WWE (@WWE) March 8, 2017
Heard recently suffered a burst appendix, but was initially unaware and waited a week before seeking medical attention, according to Mike Johnson of PW Insider.
Making his debut in 1975, Heard worked for several territories under the National Wrestling Alliance umbrella, including Jim Crockett Promotions and Florida Championship Wrestling. He joined WWF in 1987 and was part of the was part of Honky Tonk Man's five-man team at the inaugural Survivor Series that year. He also competed in the first Royal Rumble in 1988.
After news of Heard's death broke, Hulk Hogan, Brutus Beefcake, and others took to Twitter to pay their respects:
RIP Ron Bass,he got in the ring with me for some of my first matches,now I realize how gracious he was to take that on. Only love4U HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) March 8, 2017
Oh my God Ron BASS passed away God rest his soul ! brother you're a good man I will forever be grateful to have known You!
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_) March 8, 2017
I just heard cowboy Ron Bass died. To many of our friends are dieing. He will be missed great guy
— Demolition Smash (@RealDemoSmash) March 8, 2017
RON BASS REAL THE OUTLAW BROTHER. HE ALWAYS IMPRESS ME. GOD BLESS HIM REST IN PEACE pic.twitter.com/MKy6t5KYK7
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) March 8, 2017
1st time I met Ron Bass
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) March 8, 2017
I said I don't know if it's nice to meet you,
You broke Dusty Rhodes arm & cost him NWA title. I was 33yrs old
RIP
A pic that was taken last year. As tough and nice as they come #RipOutlaw pic.twitter.com/Jx7TS1XC7W
— James Storm (@JamesStormBrand) March 8, 2017