Matt Cappotelli. Photo / Facebook
WWE Tough Enough III winner Matt Cappotelli passed away Friday, exactly one year after having brain surgery following word that his doctors had found a 'very large tumour.'
His wife, Lindsay, shared the sad news of his passing with his Facebook fans on Friday afternoon according DailyMail.
'Hey Team Capp...I've been struggling with what to say and how to say this, and I'll probably end up rambling, but here goes,' Lindsay wrote.
'Today my love-my strong, sweet, beautiful love-took his last breath at 3:30 a.m. and went Home to be with Jesus...exactly one year after his brain surgery. You think you can be prepared for this when you know it's coming, but you just can't.
'The only person who's comfort I want right now is the one who can't give it to me. I miss him so much. I know where he is now is so much better, but it doesn't change how much I miss him.'
My first best friend in the wrestling business and to this day one of the best people I’ve ever known Matt Cappotelli has passed on. I’m gutted about this news. Matt inspired everyone around him especially me early in my career. He is loved and will be missed.
— John Morrison (@TheRealMorrison) June 29, 2018
Cappotelli, 38, was originally diagnosed with a malignant tumour in 2005, a few years after winning the professional wrestling reality TV show, WWE Tough Enough III, and receiving a WWE contract.
The diagnosis forced him to retire from his burgeoning wrestling career at the age of 27.
The cancerous tumour was removed in 2007 and he returned to the wrestling world in 2013, becoming a beginner's program trainer at Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he'd previously trained before retiring.
Heartbroken over the passing of Matt Cappotelli. Matt was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He won't be forgotten.
Posted by Mike Mooneyham on Saturday, 30 June 2018
But, in 2017, Cappotelli revealed that his brain cancer had returned in a more aggressive form and that it was 'a very large tumour and there is a portion that is inoperable.'
He underwent a second brain surgery on June 29, 2017, writing on his wife's Facebook page that he had, 'Just found out the tumour that I had removed 10 years ago has come back much more aggressively and needs to be dealt with.'
Blessed to know Matt Cappotelli
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) June 29, 2018
since his wrestling journey began
He was more Hardcore & Tougher Enough than any person I've ever known
Glad to have reconnected w/him
He never stopped fighting or questioned his faith
Great human being pic.twitter.com/zspqy1AJPz
Damn it damn it damn it. You suck cancer. Augh. Rest In Peace Matt Cappotelli 💔 You are the true definition of a warrior. The strength and dignity with which you fought your battle will forever be admired. God bless you and your family.
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) June 29, 2018
Matt Cappotelli was a good guy. Sad news.
— M@ (@AsleepOnThBeach) June 29, 2018
Hug the people you love.
Forgive your debtors.
Don't let small things get in the way of being good to one another.
Sending prayers out to Matt Cappotelli's loved ones and to his enormous extended family in wrestling. One man's life can affect so many. We all should strive to more like Matt.
— Kevin Kelly (@realkevinkelly) June 29, 2018