The wrestling world mourns the loss of Darren Drozdov, known as Droz, who passed away at 54 from natural causes. His family confirmed the news, reflecting on his life and legacy.
Droz's WWE career began in 1998 but was tragically cut short by an in-ring accident in 1999. During a match with D'Lo Brown, a powerbomb maneuver went awry, resulting in a severe neck injury that left him quadriplegic. The incident, which occurred during a taping of "WWF SmackDown!" at the Nassau Coliseum, was never aired. Both Droz and Brown maintained that the tragic outcome was purely accidental.
Despite the life-altering injury, Droz maintained an incredibly positive outlook. His family's statement highlighted his resilience, quoting his own words: "There is always another day. Just because I’m paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean my life is over. I’ve learned to live again, and my life is far from over.’" They expressed their deep sadness but emphasized Droz's desire for his life to be celebrated, remembering the joy, laughter, and positive memories he shared.
Tributes poured in from the wrestling community, including a heartfelt message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who recalled Droz's awesome personality, wrestling talent, and their shared love of football and fishing. Droz's family also expressed gratitude to the WWE for their unwavering support and care over the past 24 years.
Prior to his wrestling career, Droz played defensive tackle at the University of Maryland and had a brief stint in the NFL, playing six games for the Denver Broncos in 1993. He also spent time with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
