Reports: Joseph Laurinaitis, pro wrestling legend known as Road Warrior Animal, has died

Professional wrestling has lost another legend.

Joseph Laurinaitis, who wrestled as Road Warrior Animal, has passed away, according to multiple reports as well as a post to his Twitter account.

He was 60.

The post to his Twitter account said the family is planning on releasing a statement later Wednesday.

Animal was one-half of the iconic Road Warriors, also known as the Legion of Doom, during his wrestling career. His teammate, Michael Hegstrand, known as Road Warrior Hawk, died at the age of 46 in 2003. The Road Warriors were known for their physical in-ring style, face-paint and spiked shoulder pads, and were one of the most popular tag-teams in the world.

Laurinaitis’ son, James, was a linebacker at Ohio State who went on to play in the NFL.

News of his death spread across social media quickly Wednesday morning with Hulk Hogan tweeting, “RIP Animal, love you my brother. I know you and Hawk have a lot of unfinished business to take care of! God speed and blessings to your beautiful family.”

WWE also acknowledged his death in a Tweet.