12 Tragic Details About The Death Of The Von Erich Brothers

10. Kerry Committed Suicide By A Gunshot Wound

In February of 1993, just two years after his younger brother Chris, Kerry would commit suicide. Similarly, to Chris, Kerry used a gun, but elected to shoot himself in the heart as opposed to his head. In a span of just 6 years, 3 Von Erich brothers would take their own life due to the pressures of the wrestling industry. It is well documented that the brothers, much like other wrestlers during that time, were no strangers to indulging in drugs and partying. While it is rumored that David was the only one to overdose, the other brothers’ drug use in no way helped them through the depression that each faced.

Outside of his numerous in-ring accomplishments, Kerry had even acted in films. He left behind 2 daughters, and had gone through a divorce just one year before he decided to take his life. It is possible that the fallout from his divorce along with the possibility of jail time following a violation of probation could have pushed him over the edge.

11. None Of The Brothers Lived Past The Age of 33

As I’m sure you have noticed, each Von Erich brother that passed away was incredibly young. In fact, outside of Kerry and Kevin, no other Von Erich brother lived to see the age of 30. Kerry was 33 when he took his life, making him the oldest Von Erich brother who died in the 1980s and 1990s. Chris, at 21, was the youngest brother to lose his life during that time period. Each brother’s death no doubt had a massive impact on the ones who remained alive until they inevitably took their own life.

Despite their accomplishments and prestigious last name, the Von Erich brothers lived a life that was filled with incredible pressure to live up to their father’s loft expectations, as well as the expectations of their fans. One by one, the Von Erich family slowly lost their brothers, though no one felt this loss as much as their father Fritz.

12. The Von Erich Brothers Curse

Given the nature of their deaths and the fact that Kevin is the only brother to make it out of wrestling alive, many people feel that the Von Erich family was cursed during their hay day. After one brother would die, it would seem that the next death was right around the corner, especially once the suicides began. It is a tragic tale that can serve as a warning for those interested in getting into wrestling. The pressures of the business can be too much for some to overcome, and with the Von Erichs, it cost them their lives.

These days, Kevin Von Erich, the last surviving brother, lives a quiet life in Hawaii, far away from their home in Texas. He was featured in an ESPN documentary called Wrestling the Curse, which gives an inside look at the family that changed wrestling in the 1980s. Given all that has happened over the years, Kevin seems to be at peace with life, and the documentary is an excellent watch.

Credits: therichest.com

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