Darrem “Droz” Drozdov has passed away.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that Drozdov passed away at the age of 54. Drozdov played football in the NFL before he started his wrestling career. He worked on the independent circuit and started competing for ECW before he made his WWE debut in 1998. Drozdov memorably had a scene in Beyond the Mat where Vince McMahon asked him to showcase his ability to regurgitate on command.
Drozdov was featured on WWE TV, and as Puke, he was involved with the Legion of Doom. He was later featured alongside Prince Albert and Key. Drozdov suffered a career-ending injury on the October 5 taping of WWE SmackDown, where he landed badly on a powerbomb during a match with D’Lo Brown.
He fractured two vertebrae in his neck, and the injury initially left him a quadriplegic, though he later regained movement in his arms. Following the injury, Drozdov remained involved with WWE for several years.
WWE subsequently issued a statement on Drozdov’s passing.
Update: PWInsider shared an official statement from the Drozdov family about Darren’s passing.
“We are sad to share our beloved Darren passed away this morning of natural causes. There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now.
Darren, affectionately known as “Droz,” was involved in a tragic ring accident while wrestling for the WWE in 1999 that rendered him a quadriplegic. Nevertheless, Droz maintained a championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest even though he was unable to move from the neck down for the past 24 years. His own words sum up his relentless positivity in the midst of adversity: “There is always another day. Just because I’m paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean my life is over. I’ve learned to live again, and my life is far from over.”
We lived this journey with him over the past 24 years. We were always there through the good times and the bad, and provided him with our unconditional love. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to everyone. All of his fans, teammates, colleagues, and friends for all the love and support he received over the years. You all gave him meaning, purpose and something to live for. He loved each and every one of you and cherished the conversations, notes and letters he received. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back.
We also would also like to thank WWE for treating him like family, and for all of their love, support and stepping up to make sure that Darren always had the proper care and treatment needed to live in his condition over the past 24 years.
He was a devoted son, brother, and friend who had always put others first, especially his family. He was kind, generous and was always there for his people. He was our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smile was healing. His warmth, love, and laughter were infectious. We could always turn to him for wisdom and solace and his absence feels like a giant hole in our family and our hearts. Everyone who knew Darren was a better person because of it. He taught everyone so much about how to look at life: how to put things in perspective, how to overcome adversity, and how to show compassion for others. He would not want anyone to be sad at this moment and would want to this to be a celebration of his life, to be remembered for all the great things that he accomplished, the fun, the laughter, the great memories he shared with everyone.”
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful wrote that WWE aired an “In memory of Darren Drozdov” graphic during the June 30 taping of WWE SmackDown.
WrestleZone sends its condolences to Drozdov’s family, friends, and fans.
