Legendary WWE announcer Jim Ross’ wife has died at the age of 55.
The 65-year-old commentator – affectionately known as ‘Good ol’ JR’ – has been left devastated after his spouse Jan Ross passed away on Wednesday (22.03.17) at Oklahoma City’s OU Medical Center, less than two days after she was involved in an accident on her Vespa motorcycle,
Jim took to Twitter to share his tragic news, posting: "A Priest gave my wife Jan her last rites tonight. My little Angel is gone. (sic)"
Jan had been riding home from a local gym at around 9.30pm on Monday (20.03.17) when she was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old male resulting in her suffering a "catastrophic brain injury" as she was not wearing a helmet.
In a post on his blog Jrsbarbq.com he revealed his horror at seeing the love of his life in hospital on life support machines.
He wrote: "I will fully admit that there has been no experience in my life that could have prepared me for this life changing week. To see one’s life partner and love of one’s life being kept alive via life support equipment is tragically heartbreaking."
In his emotional post, Jim also remembered how Jan had nursed him through his different health battles, including his life-long fight with Bell’s Palsy.
He wrote: "Jan and I started seeing each other in my WCW days and she remained steadfast at my side during my 21-year WWE run, of which she dearly loved and always felt like we were a member of a family there, no matter the various challenges that confronted us along the way including my three bouts with Bells palsy. She never wavered. Jan and I had memorable success together when I was managing WWE’s Talent Relations Department. We were a team in WWE. I was a ‘coach’ and Jan was the best coach’s wife ever … She helped me battle thru multiple bouts of depression as a result of the multiple Bells palsy attacks, my dependence on Ambian, and nursed me to back health after serious, colon surgery that threatened my life and she never complained one time. This woman loves me more than I’ll ever deserve and simply knowing her has enriched my life to levels that I can never repay. (sic)"
Jim – who in December called the action on ITV’s ‘World of Sport Wrestling’ relaunch of British grappling – was introduced to Jan by his friend, wrestling icon Ric Flair, when the pair were both working for wrestling promotion WCW (World Championship Wrestling).
And 16-time world champion Ric, 68, has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to her.
The Nature Boy tweeted: "My dear friend @JRsBBQ I remember the night you met Jan in West VA like it was yesterday. We are all here for you in this tragedy. #JanRoss (sic)"
Other members of the wrestling community also logged onto the social media site to offer condolences to Jim and remember Jan.
‘The Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase posted: "My heart breaks for my friend Jim Ross tonight. His lovely wife Jan has passed away. God please strengthen him in this time of grief."
Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman: "Like many wives of people in the Wrestling business, Jan Ross was a Saint in my eyes. #RIPJanRoss (sic)"
Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler – who was Jim’s commentary partner on World Wrestling Entertainment’s weekly TV show ‘RAW’ for years – admitted his heart was hurting over Jan’s passing.
He tweeted: "My heart hurts so tonight for my friend & partner, @JRsBBQ on the sudden & tragic loss of the love of his life, Jan. (sic)"
WWE legend Jim Ross’ wife dies
