Ole Anderson, one of the original members of the iconic wrestling stable The Four Horsemen, died on February 25, 2024, at the age of 81. His death was announced by WWE, who paid tribute to his hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor that helped define the group as one of the greatest in sports-entertainment history. But how did he die? Here is everything you need to know about his cause of death.

Ole Anderson’s Wrestling Career: A Prolific and Decorated Tag Team Wrestler

Ole Anderson, whose real name was Alan Rogowski, was a prolific and decorated tag team wrestler, who started his career in the 1960s. He was trained by WWE Hall of Famer Verne Gagne, and wrestled in various territories, such as Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, and American Wrestling Association.

He was most famous for his partnership with Arn Anderson, who was billed as his cousin, in The Minnesota Wrecking Crew. The duo won several tag team titles, and were known for their brutal and technical style. They also joined forces with Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and manager J.J. Dillon, to form The Four Horsemen, one of the most influential and dominant factions in wrestling history. The group feuded with the likes of Dusty Rhodes, The Rock ‘N Roll Express, The Road Warriors, and many more.

Ole Anderson retired from the ring in 1987, and became the head of the WCW booking committee in 1990. He was also involved in training and mentoring young wrestlers, such as Lex Luger and The Steiner Brothers. He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011, and the NWA Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ole Anderson’s Cause of Death: A Traumatic Head Wound

Ole Anderson’s cause of death was a “traumatic head wound”, according to a coroner’s inquest that was held on March 1, 2024. The inquest heard that Anderson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and that a gun was found near his body in an outbuilding at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds, where he was visiting.

The inquest also heard that Anderson had lunch with his parents on February 25, 2024, and then went missing for about 30 minutes. His father went to look for him and found him dead in a locked outbuilding, with a catastrophic head injury. The emergency services were called, but there was nothing they could do to save him. The police confirmed that the death was not suspicious, and ruled it as an apparent suicide.

The inquest did not reveal the motive or the reason behind Anderson’s death, but it was speculated that he might have been suffering from depression or stress, or that he might have had some personal or professional issues. However, these were only speculations, and no evidence or confirmation was given.

Ole Anderson’s Legacy: A Respected and Influential Wrestler

Ole Anderson’s death was mourned and tributed by his family, friends, and the wrestling community, who expressed their shock and sorrow. His wife, Sharon, and his two sons, Bryant and Chad, were devastated and heartbroken, and were supported by their relatives and loved ones.

They released a statement, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved husband and father, Ole. He was an exceptional man who touched the lives of many people with his passion and charisma. He was a loving and devoted family man, who always put us first. He was also a respected and influential wrestler, who made a lasting impact on the sport and the industry. We will always love him and miss him terribly.”

WWE, who had a long and complicated relationship with Anderson, also issued a statement, saying: “WWE is saddened to learn that Ole Anderson, a founding member of The Four Horsemen, has passed away at age 81. Ole’s hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor helped define the group as one of the greatest stables in sports-entertainment history.

Trained by WWE Hall of Famer Verne Gagne, Anderson was a prolific and decorated tag team wrestler, most famously alongside Arn Anderson in The Minnesota Wrecking Crew. When the duo then joined forces with Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard and manager J.J. Dillon, they established the iconic stable known as The Four Horsemen.

During their legendary run, The Four Horsemen feuded with the likes of Dusty Rhodes, The Rock ‘N Roll Express, The Road Warriors, and many more. The group set a standard of style, attitude and success that has inspired every stable that followed. WWE extends its condolences to Anderson’s family, friends and fans.”

Other wrestlers, such as Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, J.J. Dillon, Sting, and many more, also sent their sympathy and respect to Anderson’s family. They also attended his funeral, which was held on March 8, 2024, at a private chapel in Atlanta, Georgia. The funeral was a solemn and dignified affair, with only close family and friends present. Anderson was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in his favorite lake.

Conclusion

Ole Anderson, one of the original members of the iconic wrestling stable The Four Horsemen, died on February 25, 2024, at the age of 81. His cause of death was a “traumatic head wound” and a gun was found near his body in an outbuilding at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds, where he was visiting.

The death was ruled as an apparent suicide, but the motive or the reason behind it was not revealed. His death was mourned and tributed by his family, friends, and the wrestling community, who remembered him as a respected and influential wrestler, who helped define the group as one of the greatest in sports-entertainment history.

He was also a loving and devoted family man, who always put his wife and sons first. He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in his favorite lake. Ole Anderson was a legend and a pioneer in the wrestling industry, who will be greatly missed and never forgotten.