Former wrestler Hulk Hogan is "completely devastated" by the death of his old friend Randy Savage because they only recently patched up their differences after more than a decade of no contact.
Savage, widely known as MACho Man, was killed in a car crash in Tampa, Florida on Friday morning (20May11) after suffering a heart attack behind the wheel, his brother Lanny Poffo has told Tmz.com. He was 58.
Fighter-turned-actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson led the tributes to the wrestling icon soon after news of the tragedy broke, and now Hogan and a host of other industry professionals have added their sympathies.
Hogan admits he wishes he had rekindled his friendship with Savage sooner.
He writes on his Twitter.com page, "I'm completely devastated, after over 10 years of not talking with Randy, we've (sic) finally started to talk and communicate.
"He had so much life in his eyes & in his spirit, I just pray that he's happy and in a better place and we miss him. We miss him a lot. I feel horrible about the 10 years of having no communication. This was a tough one."
Meanwhile, World Wrestling Entertainment (Wwe) president Vince MCMahon has branded Savage one of the "greatest superstars of his time".
Florida police have launched an investigation into the accident, although officials state both Savage and his wife Lynn, who suffered only minor injuries, were wearing their seatbelts when the incident occurred. Cops have also ruled out alcohol as a factor in the crash.
An autopsy is scheduled to take place on Saturday (21May11).