Another Wrestling legend is gone. It was announced that Vader, whose real name is Leon White, passed away on Monday, June 18. Best known for his appearances in WWE (then WWF), WCW, and NJPW, Vader was a popular wrestler during the 1990s, gaining popularity as one of the more versatile heavyweights in the business. Despite health problems in recent years, he continued wrestling well into the 2010s.

Vader's passing

On the morning of June 20, White's son announced his father's death on the wrestler's official Twitter account:

White had a string of health problems in recent years.

In late 2016, he said he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, the result of his wrestling and football careers. Around the time of this announcement, White also revealed that after visiting two different doctors, he was given a very pessimistic outlook, claiming he only had two years left to live. Later, however, after talking to another doctor, a more positive future seemed possible, and, in March 2018, he had heart surgery.

Vader's legacy

Vader, who also went by the name Big Van Vader, was a prominent figure in the wrestling scene. He began his wrestling career in the 1980s after retiring from the NFL. He first gained notoriety for his work in the American Wrestling Association before moving on to New Japan Pro Wrestling.

There, he became a feared masked figure -- and one of its biggest stars.

He returned to the United States and began wrestling for World Championship Wrestling, becoming a three-time WCW World Champion. In 1996, he joined the World Wrestling Federation roster, having memorable feuds with WWE legends Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker.

At the height of the wrestler's popularity in America, he guest-starred on "Boy Meets World," one of the most-watched television shows of the 1990s.

Vader was not your average big man in the world of professional wrestling. While many heavyweights were known for their brawling, hard-hitting style, Vader capitalized on the style with a moveset consisting of powerbombs and bearhugs, while also differentiating himself.

Breaking the stereotype, he became known for some high-flying maneuvers, perhaps most notably what he called the "Vadersault," his version of a rolling moonsault. This move is more typical of Japanese and Mexican wrestlers, not American heavyweights.

Fan reactions and condolences have been making the rounds on social media, like this tweet below:
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