Edward 'Umaga' Fatu Passes Away

Former WWE star Umaga (Eddie Fatu) has passed away. According to a source, he suffered a second heart attack while in the hospital. He was 36.

Details are sketchy at this point but he apparently fell asleep last night while watching television, and several hours later, his wife found him not breathing with blood coming out of his nose and he was rushed to the hospital.

The suspicion on cause of death is prescription pills, as Umaga was reportedly found bleeding from his nose and mouth when found by his wife. We obviously can't confirm that yet until toxicology reports come back in several weeks.

We're told his family was told to get into town and to the hospital right away. Family members were told they believe he suffered a heart attack. He was taken off life support earlier today.

I'm told that WWE is working with Fatu's family and there may be a service on Tuesday or Wednesday. A lot of the crew would be able to attend since SmackDown! is being taped in Houston, TX next week. RAW is being taped in Dallas. Fatu was living in Spring, TX, a Houston suburb, and lived near Shelton Benjamin, Shad Gaspard, MVP and The Great Khali. He was also business partners with Charlie Haas.

Umaga was released from his WWE contract in June after failing WWE's Wellness Policy for the second time. At that time, he refused the company's wishes to send him to rehab. So sad. He was on the Hulkamania Tour in Australia that just concluded last weekend.

There are many people within the industry that are very upset about the passing. Although Fatu has had past issues with drugs, everyone I've talked to today is saying that he was a fun-loving guy with a great sense of humor who you loved being around. Several wrestlers have posted messages on Twitter regarding the death of former WWE superstar Eddie "Umaga" Fatu. Here's what some of them are saying:

* Bobby Lashley: "Very sad day today. A good friend is gone."

* Shannon Moore: R.I.P Ecki....Mad love and respect. We will miss you and I will cherish the times we had together.

* Christopher Daniels: RIP Eddie Fatu. I'm glad I got to know you in the short time you were here.

* D'Angelo Dinero: This is rough, very rough. My heart and prayers goes out to Umaga's wife, his boys, and family.

* Allison Danger: RIP Umaga. I thank you for your kindness when we met. My heart aches for your family and my thoughts are with them in their time of need.

* Hurricane Helms: Heartbroken. No words.

* Jeremy Borash: RIP Eddie Fatu

* TNA Online: RIP Eddie Fatu

* Ken Anderson: go out and tear the house down. We both had something to prove that night and in my opinion: Mission Accomplished! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fatu family. Ecki absolutely adored his wife and was extremely proud of his children. I have so many amazing, funny, and heartwarming (sometimes gut wrenching belly-laughing) memories.

* Matt Hardy: Just landed in Shreveport to go to work tonight-I'm very saddened to hear about Ecky (Umaga) & his family-please keep them in your prayers.

WWE released the following statement regarding Fatu's passing:

WWE would like to express its deepest condolences to Mr. Fatu's family, friends and fans on his tragic passing. Mr. Fatu was under contract with WWE at various time periods and most recently performed under the name "Umaga." Mr. Fatu's contract was terminated on June 11, 2009.

On behalf of everyone on the site, we want to send our deepest condolences to Eddie Fatu's friends and family.