WWE In Mourning After Tragic Death of Former Wrestling Star

• The cause of Corporal Kirchner's death remains unknown, but several reports claim he died of a heart attack
• The father of four is understood to have died at his home in Silver City, North Carolina
• Kirchner, whose real name is Micahel Penzel had not wrestled since 2009

WWE is in mourning following the tragic death of former wrestling star, Corporal Kirchner.

Kirchner, whose real name is Michael Penzel is understood to have died on Wednesday, December 22.

His death was confirmed by WWE who paid an emotional tribute to him with an impassioned statement.

"We are saddened to learn that Michael Penzel, better known as Corporal Kirchner and beloved by fans all over the world, passed away yesterday at the age of 64," WWE said in a statement.

"Our sincerest thoughts are with his family, friends, and those affected by his passing," the statement added.

The 64-year-old is best remembered for his illustrious wrestling career around 1985 to 1987.

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The cause of his death remains unknown, with reports suggesting he died of a heart attack at his home in Silver City, North Carolina.

According to Wrestling Inc, Kirchner got into pro wrestling after a stint in the United States Army as a paratrooper.

His career in the ring started after he met with WWE legend and Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan in a gym while he was working as a mechanic in Minnesota.

Kirchner was later introduced to AWA promoter Verne Gagne before he was introduced into WWF as a replacement for WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter as a patriotic character.

After his wrestling career, the father of four worked as a truck driver and had not wrestled since 2009.

Croatian footballer dies after heart attack

Earlier Sports Brief reported the Croatian football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of Marin Cacic.

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The NK Nehaj defender tragically died while in hospital where he has been receiving treatment after he collapsed during a training session.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his club in an emotional tribute on Facebook, with Bosnian news outlet Klix reporting doctors fought unsuccessfully for his life.

The 23-year-old is understood to have collapsed suddenly after he had suffered a heart attack.