News about the death of former WWE champion Andrew “Test” Martin shocked some of his close friends including his fans. He was last seen in the WWE show last February 2007. He was living a quite life in his condo in Harbour Island, Florida.

A neighbor called the police when she suspected that her neighbor may be dead since Martin is not moving from his couch for more than a day. Amy Patterson who has a clear view of Martin’s balcony, noticed the peculiar position of the wrestler. “His feet were flat on the ground and he was on the sofa and he was completely back,” Patterson said. “I kept thinking, I hope he gets up,’ because I could tell he was young and I thought, I hope somehow he’s okay. But just knew in my heart he just wasn’t.” she added.

This prompted her to call the police to see what happened to his neighbor. They found Martin, a former World Wrestling Entertainment champion dead. Although police officers found no signs of trauma or foul play, but what they have found are large amount of painkillers and steroids. These findings were immediately referred to toxicologists to determine if it contributed to the death of the wrestler. According to authorities, the result of the toxicology can be released after a week. The Hillsborough Medical Examiner’s office said it could take weeks to determine the real cause of Martin’s death.

Laura McElroy, police spokeswoman said, “He was obviously very healthy. The mystery of his death will likely come out in his toxicology report.” Martin appeared to be eating dinner or a late snack when he died. There was a half eaten pizza and soda found near his body. However some experts believed that the possible cause of death may be due to heart failure or an overdose.

Known as “Test” or the “Punisher”, Andrew Martin planned to leave Monday to celebrate his birthday in France, Sweden and Belgium, according to his MySpace page. Martin will be celebrating his 34th birthday.

A report from about.com discloses that there are more than 30 professional wrestlers under the age of 40 who have died since 1985. The most common cause of professional wrestlers death is due to excessive steroid use and the nature of their job. Sometimes they have to work even if they are still recuperating from injuries thus forcing them to take prescription drugs such as painkillers and steroids.

Andrew Martin is known to openly criticize the rampant use of drugs in his profession. A video of his documentary was posted on you tube a day after his death. An excerpt of the statement made by Martin, “I just turned 32-years-old and went to eight funerals. As bad as it may sound, it made me open my eyes and take my foot out the grave. I don’t want to join that club. Either you clean up and straighten up, or lay down beside them.”

Trackback URI | Comments RSS