Matt ‘Rosey’ Anoa’i passes away at 47 years old

Matt Anoa’i, who was best known in wrestling for his time as Rosey in WWE, passed away yesterday at 47 years old.

News of his death was announced on social media this morning, with Anoa’i’s ex-wife noting in a Facebook post that he was aware that his health was fragile. He was previously hospitalized for congestive heart failure in 2014.

He was a member of the famed Anoa’i wrestling family and was the son of Sika and the brother of Roman Reigns. His biggest success in wrestling came in WWE during the 2000s, where he teamed with his cousin Eddie Fatu (who was known as Jamal and Umaga before passing away) as 3-Minute Warning. He was also later repackaged as The Hurricane’s “Superhero in Training.”

The Anoa’i family released a statement to WWE.com about Matt’s death: “The Anoa’i family is mourning the loss of Sika’s son, Matt aka Rosey, due to an untimely death.

We want to let his fans know that he loved them and the wrestling world so much. In his passing, he left three beautiful young children and a heartbroken family. Please respect the privacy of his children and family as they mourn the loss of this kind, loving, gentle man, who was a father, son, brother and a superhero to us all.

Our family appreciates your prayers and continued support during this very difficult time.”