Sumo wrestling legend Akebono Taro has died on the age of 54 from coronary heart failure, his household mentioned.
The Hawaii-born nice turned a ‘grand champion’ in Japan and competed at Wrestlemania in 2005 in opposition to Massive Present.
‘It’s with disappointment that we announce Akebono Taro died of coronary heart failure earlier this month whereas receiving care at a hospital within the Tokyo space,’ the household mentioned in an announcement.
His spouse Christine Rowan, in an e mail to The Related Press, mentioned he died ‘inside the previous week’ however declined to provide particulars.
On the prime of his profession he weighed 500 kilos (225 kilos) and stood at 6-feet-8 (2.03 meters).
Akebono Taro weighed 500 kilos through the prime years of his sumo wrestling profession
Akebono and Massive Present fought at Wrestlemania in 2005, on the Staples Middle in Los Angeles
Akebono poses for a photograph throughout a information convention at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu in 2005
The US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, despatched his condolences on social platform X.
‘I used to be deeply saddened to study of the passing of Akebono, a large on this planet of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the US and Japan,’ Emanuel posted.
‘When Akebono turned the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo´s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for different international wrestlers to seek out success within the sport. All through his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the US and his adopted homeland by uniting us all by way of sport.’
Akebono takes half in a ceremony within the ring previous to competitors in Vancouver in 1998
Akebono grew up on the agricultural aspect of the Koolau mountains from Honolulu and was born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan.
He moved to Tokyo within the late Eighties and received his first grand championship in 1993, and completed his profession as an 11-time grand event winner.
The household’s assertion mentioned family and friends will maintain a ‘non-public celebration of his life.’ He’s survived by his spouse, Christine, daughter and two sons.
‘The household kindly asks for privateness throughout this time of mourning,’ the assertion mentioned.
