Celebration and Mourning

Yesterday, commemorating the birth of the United States, Americans all across the country celebrated in unison. With the thrill of fireworks and the joy of other festivities, it is a day to remember for several families. It is also, on a darker note, a day to remember for the wrestling industry. On July 4, 1988, Mike Kelly, his twin brother Pat, Dave McKigney, and Adrian Adonis were gathered in a mini-van in Newfoundland, Canada. In avoidance of colliding with a moose, Kelly accidentally veered the car into a lake. The crash tragically took the lives of Pat Kelly, McKigney, and Adonis, leaving Mike Kelly, who had badly crushed legs, the only survivor. On year after the accident, another automobile crash nearly took the lives of Davey Boy Smith, Chris Benoit, and Jason the Terrible in Alberta, Canada. The most serious injury resulted in Smith gaining 1,000 stiches. For the third year in 1990, a pro wrestler faced hardship on Independence Day. Ed Leslie, aka Brutus Beefcake, suffered from serious facial injuries after a parceling accident in Florida. Leslie underwent reconstructive surgery in which he received steel plates, 40 screws, and countless staples. Four years later, the heart of the wrestling world sunk again. Joey Marella, son of the late great Gorilla Monsoon, had been a WWE referee for nearly a decade when another tragic car accident took his life. So, as most people joyously look at the beautiful fireworks on the 4th of July, wrestlers everywhere mourn the memories of their lost friends. Simply stated, triumph and tragedy.
This month learn more about "Adorable" Adrian Adonis as TWA Remembers.