The family of former WWF referee Dave Hebner has confirmed he died at the age of 73 on Friday.
Hebner began working for the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) in 1986 and became one of the company's key officials. He worked as a manager and road agent when a knee injury forced the end of his refereeing career and was later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
His most famous in-ring moment came in February 1988 when he refereed a World Heavyweight Championship clash between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. Hebner and his identical twin brother, Earl, famously both appeared in the ring after Andre beat 'Hollywood' to the title.
The news was confirmed on Friday by Brian Hebner—Dave's nephew and son of Earl—who followed his father and uncle into the industry and is a referee for Impact! Wrestling.
"I’m so sad," he wrote on Twitter. "Just don’t really know what to say. Today we lost one of the good ones…….My uncle David. He was one of the best humans in the world. Thank you all for all the outpouring of messages and support. This is a tough one. I Love You Uncle David. God got a good one."
Also among Hebner's list of officiating credits were a couple of leading performances at Wrestlemania. He refereed the iconic match-up between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania III, then returned to oversee Savage's championship defeat to Hogan at Wrestlemania V.
Hebner's death led to an outpour of tributes from those in and around the wrestling industry. Sean Waltman, who wrestled under the moniker 'X-Pac', praised: "I'm sad to learn of Dave Hebner's passing. He & his brother Earl are two of the nicest people I've ever crossed paths with in Pro Wrestling."
Fellow ex-wrestler Gail-Kim Irvine offered her condolences and tweeted: "I am so saddened to hear about Dave Hebner’s passing. I adore this whole family so much. I’ve been so fortunate to be able to work with Dave, Earl, Brian and Katie and I’m thinking of them all today at this sad time. Let’s celebrate Dave’s life. Love to the Hebners."
Fans posted pictures and footage of their favourite Hebner moments from throughout his illustrious refereeing career. Former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler posted a photo of his last visit to Hebner, describing him as a 'good man, great husband and father, and a great friend to many.'
