Lance Cade, the former WWE wrestler, whose real name was Lance McNaught, has died of a heart attack aged 29.
His death was first reported by the WWE website this morning.
Tanya, McNaught's wife said her husband had suffered from breathing difficulties over the past week. He was rushed to hospital on Tuesday night after passing out at home. He discharged himself Wednesday and on Thursday traveled to his father's home near San Antonio where he remained until he passed away late last night.
McNaught broke into the business in 1999 after training at Shawn Michaels' wrestling academy. From there he wrestled for FMW in Japan until he signed a WWE developmental contract in 2001 around the time of the invasion angle following WWE's purchase of WCW. He was later paired in a tag team with Renee Dupree in OVW before eventually being called up to the main roster in 2003, under the name Garrison Cade.
He was mostly used as a mid card act, teaming on-and-off with Mark Jindrak and most memorably with Trevor Murdoch. In the summer of 2008, McNaught was in the midst of the biggest push of his career, aligned with Chris Jericho in a feud with Shawn Michaels, but was fired in October when he suffered a seizure on a flight which was believed to be the result of overdosing on pain killers and muscle relaxers.
WWE signed McNaught back 12 months later but he only made one appearance in developmental in Tampa and was never seen again. He gave interviews earlier this year saying that he had asked WWE officials to send him to rehab, but after completing a 30-day program, WWE fired him for a second time.
He had recently been wrestling overseas and was scheduled for an upcoming tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Shawn Michaels, Jim Ross and Matt Hardy were among those this afternoon leading the tributes on Twitter.
"I will always remember Lance Cade's big cheeks when he smiled and the love he had for his daughter," Tommy Dreamer wrote. "Very sad. Cherish life."
TNA announcer Taz wrote: "I got to know Lance slightly in WWE. He was a good guy with tons of potential. RIP."
McNaught is survived by his wife Tanya and daughters, Natallye, 7, and Laryssa, 2.
***
WWE Diva Tiffany (Taryn Terrell) was suspended by WWE officials this past week following an altercation at the hotel booked for talent during the Smackdown TV taping in San Jose.
Well-placed sources say the altercation, described as "a domestic dispute", involved Terrell's husband, Drew McIntyre, and that cops were called to calm the situation.
No word on the future of Terrell at press time.
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