How did the popular WWE legend Andre the Giant die? Looking back on the shocking reasons behind the icon's demise

Andre the Giant is a larger-than-life individual and one of the most recognizable professional wrestlers in the sports entertainment industry. He is a well-known figure with an overwhelmingly successful career, even if it was cut short.

Andre the Giant is best known for his tenure during the Rock n Wrestling Era of WWE during the 1980s, with being a massive attraction for the company. He played a huge role in some of the most unforgettable moments in professional wrestling, and his passing in 1993 truly rocked the wrestling community, especially considering how much he was adored by fans everywhere. The massive size of Andre the Giant was always part of the appeal of his character, as it helped him stand out as an attraction since starting his wrestling career in the 1960s.

However, his reign in the wrestling industry was cut short after his shocking demise at the age of 46. Let’s take a look at the WWE icon’s shocking demise.

How did the popular WWE legend Andre the Giant die?

After reigning in the wrestling industry for almost three decades, WWE legend Andre the Giant passed away on January 28, 1993, of an apparent heart attack in his sleep in Paris at a hotel named Hotel De La Tremoille. His sudden demise was likely associated with his untreated acromegaly, at a Paris hotel, at the age of 46.

According to The Sportster, his passing was not too long after he wrestled his last match at AJPW in December 1992, where he teamed with Rusher Kimura and Giant Baba against Masanobu Fuchi, Haruka Eigen, and Motoshi Okuma. Earlier reports suggest that the wrestling legend was visiting Paris at that time for his father’s funeral. He was actually found dead in his room by the hotel management and his chauffeur. Following his death in Paris, his family in France held a funeral for him, intending to bury him near his father, who passed away a few days back.

When they learned of his wish to be cremated, his body was flown to the United States, where he was cremated according to his wishes. But, what could be the possible reason for his sudden demise.

Shocking reasons behind the icon's demise

WWE legend Andre the Giant was dubbed "the greatest drunk on Earth" for once consuming over 41 litres in six hours. This was revealed during an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, where the wrestling legend revealed to David Letterman he once drank 117 beers, but he couldn't remember because he passed out.

Besides, the wrestler suffered from a pituitary gland disorder that caused his body to produce too much growth hormone. This led to continuous enlargement of his organs, bones, and tissues throughout his life. Andre's large size and weight put a lot of strain on his heart and cardiovascular system, which is a common issue for people dealing with untreated acromegaly. This possibly could have caused a cardiac arrest for his sudden death.Also Read: Top richest WWE female superstars: Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch, and moreIt’s been over 30 years since his passing away, but Andre the Giant is still remembered by his fans for his larger-than-life persona, his reign in the wrestling business, and his unforgettable roles in pop culture.