BuffettNews.com

EVERETT, Mass. (AP) -- Pro wrestling pioneer Walter "Killer" Kowalski has died from a heart attack. He was 81.

Kowalski died Saturday after his family decided to have him taken off life support. Kowalski had been in critical condition at a hospital in Everett, Massachusetts, since the heart attack on Aug. 8.

The death was announced on Kowalski's Web site.

The 6-foot-7, 285 pound Kowalski earned his nickname in 1954 after dropping opponent Yukon Eric during a match in Montreal. He became famous for various moves, including a stomach vice grip called the "Killer Clutch."

I remember him...way back from the Bruno Sammartino days.

I meant to say "Sail on, Killer", too.

sail on killer

Sail On..

this is sad news. he was a big deal when I first started watching as a kid. he was a legend for sure.

sail on, give them all the killer claw in heaven.....

oh my hell.....I grew up watching Killer Kowalski.....

Sail On, Killer......look up my Dad.....he was a big fan.

Sail on Killer

Sail on, Killer.

Sail on Killer!

I met him in 2002... he was a really nice guy.

Sail on Killer.

Oh wow....truly one of the greats....

Sail on, Killer

Sail on.

Sail on Killer !!!!

I too remember him with the great days of wrestling, Gorilla Monsoon, Bruno Samartino, Professor Tinaka, and Hay staks Calhoon.

Sail On Walter "Killer" Kowalski:

Ok....a little embarrassing personal trivia.....

When I was little.....like five years old....my Mom made me take ballet lessons. She used to get soooooooo pssed off when I come home from ballet lessons, take off my leotard and then run around the house in just my tights pretending to be "Killer Kowalski"......yeah, my ballerina career never really took off....but perfecting a good piledriver did come in handy in my later life.

Sail on.......

Sail on....

sail on...................