He was a great performer and a wonderful person

This article was originally posted on TheSportsCourier .On Dec. 4, 2009, the world of professional wrestling suffered yet another untimely loss. This time, it was Eddie Fatu, better known to most as former WWE superstar Umaga.It has been reported that Fatu suffered a massive heart attack, which led to his death.It's a real shame. He was one of the greatest super heavyweights ever and among my favorite competitors.Usually I'm a wordsmith with articles, even ones that have touchy subjects, but it's really hard to put into text (or verbal words) how terrible of a loss this is.For those that never witnessed Fatu's greatness, I have to say you missed out and should YouTube him A.S.A.P.From the incredible intimidation to the phenomenal psychology to his ability to move like a cruiserweight at well over 300 pounds, the man known as Umaga wowed fans on a nightly basis.Whether it was his hip-head-smasher-thing move, the Samoan Spike thumb strike to the Adam's Apple, or more importantly his great matches, Fatu always put on a show.It sucks having writer's block, especially due to the shock of Fatu's death, as I really wish I could write a better tribute to the man.At age 36, he was way too young to die. The man had a family, great career, and friends that loved him dearly.

I don't know how else to say this but this sucks.This is one of those days where quite frankly, it sucks to be a wrestling fan. I'm not saying drugs played a part in his death, despite WWE releasing him last June over his refusal to attend a rehabilitation center after a failed Wellness test.Sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if that played a part in Fatu's passing Should we be surprised anymore I won't begin to speculate. There's plenty of sites that can do that.Have wrestling fans become desensitized to deathI don't know the answer to those questions above. I just know that one of my favorite wrestlers and greatest performers of his generation is dead at 36another unfortunate victim of the wrestling epidemic.Don't forget, folks, a wrestler doesn't have to be on drugs to suffer what happened to Fatu.The human body can only take so much physical and emotional stress before it quits on you.

That may very well be the case here.No matter what led to his death.It's important that fans remember Eddie Fatu as a great wrestler, a superstar who headlined WrestleMania 23 a.k.a. the highest selling wrestling pay-per-view ever (in a match vs. Bobby Lashley that also featured Vince McMahon and Donald Trump's hair on the line), and a family man that has exited this earth far too soon.Rest in peace, Samoan Bulldozer.Wrestling stars' on Umaga's passing via Twitter:WWE's Maria: So sad Eddie was a friend He loved wrestling and was a great entertainer My prayers go out to Eddie's beautiful family. A great loss.Chris Jericho: Eddie Fatu was an awesome guy and one of the brothers I trusted him and that's a rare thing for me I am devastated Chavo Guerrero Jr.: Thank u 4 your prayers 4 Umaga. He will be missed!JBL: Had a ball tag teaming with Eddie Fatu (known as Umaga in WWE) in some of my last house show (non TV) matches, I will miss my friend.Eric Bischoff: My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Eddie Fatu (formerly known as Umaga). He was a great performer and a wonderful person.Lilian Garcia: Just heard news about Eddie aka Umaga So sad Loved him.