Wrestling legend Bushwhacker Butch has died after a brief illness, TMZ reports. He was 78 years old.
Butch, whose real name is Bob Miller, was hospitalized on Friday after arriving in Los Angeles for WrestleMania. The other half of the Bushwhackers, Luke, says Butch's death was a result of a "situation with medication," adding that "he flew in from New Zealand on Wednesday, was all good. Friday morning, he was incognito."
Butch started wrestling in New Zealand in 1964 but hit the big time with the Bushwhackers in the late '80s. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.
On Monday, Luke said, "Late last night, I lost my friend, brother and tag team partner of over 50 years with the passing of Bob 'Butch' Miller. From the early-1970s when we were young mates wrestling for John da Silva in New Zealand, my first impression of Bob 'The Chest' Miller (as he was called in those days) was that he was a first-class redneck, and what bloody redneck he was! But he was also an all-around good guy and a great friend. If you were to read the story of my life it would say that I am only child, but it would be wrong. In life I had a brother and his name was Bob Miller. I love you, Bob. Until I see you again, WOOOOAHH YEEEEAAHH!"