WWE legend Jimmy Snuka dead: The Rock confirms Hall of Famer has died from stomach cancer aged 73
Earlier this month, the 1983 murder case against him was dismissed, with the judge saying he was not competent to stand trial
WWE Hall Of Famer Jimmy 'SuperFly' Snuka has died aged 73 after losing his battle with stomach cancer, it has been confirmed.
Hollywood A-lister, WWE legend, and member of the fabled Anoa'i wrestling family, The Rock, confirmed the news this evening.
The Rock tweeted: "Our family @TaminaSnuka asked me to share the sad news that her dad Jimmy Snuka has just passed away. Alofa atu i le aiga atoa."
His daughter Sarona also shared a picture of her holding his hand on Instagram.
She wrote: "I love you dad".
Earlier this month, a Pennsylvania judge dismissed the murder case against Snuka, saying he was not competent to stand trial in the 1983 death of his girlfriend.
The decision by Lehigh County Judge Kelly Banach came a month after Snuka’s lawyer told the court that his 73-year-old client has dementia, was in hospice care in Florida and had six months to live.
The retired WWE star was charged in 2015 with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Nancy Argentino, whose body was found more than three decades earlier in their Whitehall Township hotel room.
Prosecutors alleged she was beaten, while Snuka had maintained she died from a fall.
Authorities reopened the investigation after The Morning Call newspaper raised questions about the case in 2013.
Banach had ruled last summer that Snuka was not competent to stand trial after his attorney argued the ex-athlete suffers from dementia, partly due to the head trauma sustained over a long career in the ring.
A statement from WWE read: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka has passed away.
"Snuka is regarded by many as the pioneer of high-flying offense because of his Superfly Splash from the top turnbuckle.
"His dive off the top of the steel cage onto Don Muraco at Madison Square Garden as hundreds of flash bulbs went off will forever live as one of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
"WWE extends its condolences to Snuka’s family, friends and fans."