"Dr. Death" Steve Williams Passes Away

It is with a sad heart that AngryMarks.com announces the passing of "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, age 49. The former Oklahoma University football and wrestling standout, and later professional wrestling legend, had been fighting a second round of cancer. More details will be posted as they become available.

Williams' retired from professional wrestling on October 25, 2009 after completing his last tour in Japan. His last appearance on American soil occured just a few months earlier on August 15, 2009, winning the Asylum Championship Wrestling title in Colorado Springs, CO.

Williams vacated the title after the match, announcing it was his last American appearance. Williams stated his desire to retire was made in part due to the death of long-time friend Misawa in the ring in June 2009.

Williams was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2003, which he was successfully treated for in 2004. After Williams made a return to the ring on an episode of WWE SmackDown and a brief stint as a WWE developmental trainer at Ohio Valley Wrestling. In 2007 he published a book, Steve Williams: How Dr. Death became Dr. Life, his autobiography of his story through college, professional wrestling, and his battle with cancer. The book includes forwards by Jim Ross and Barry Switzer.

He was thought to have been winning his fight against this second round of cancer. WWE commentator and close friend Jim Ross posted this statement on his blog on November 30th: "Steve "Dr. Death" Williams latest PET Scan came back and indicated that the cancer in his Stoma was getting smaller. Doc has 6 more chemotherapy treatments to go. Hopefully this trend continues for Doc and your thoughts and prayers for him are greatly appreciated. Doc has amazing Faith and mental toughness and is 100% sure that he will beat cancer again. This is great news!!"

PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson has posted two interviews done with Williams. In January 2007 Williams was interviewed by Johnson to promote his new book.

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