Who are the Von Erich Brothers? What Happened to the Brothers? Why Did They Kill Themselves? The Von Erich Family Tragedy
by Rubaditsha
Updated Oct 12, 2023
Who are the Von Erich Brothers?
The Von Erich Brothers were a famous wrestling family in the world of professional wrestling. The family consisted of several brothers, including Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike Von Erich, who all pursued careers in wrestling, following in the footsteps of their father, Fritz Von Erich.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Von Erich Brothers achieved great success in the wrestling industry, becoming household names and popular figures in the sport. They were known for their individual strengths and abilities, with each brother contributing something unique to the world of wrestling.
However, their story is also marked by tragic events, including the untimely deaths of several siblings due to various health issues and personal struggles. Despite these devastating losses, the Von Erich legacy lives on through the next generation, with Kevin Von Erich's sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich, carrying on the family tradition in professional wrestling, bringing hope and continued recognition to the Von Erich name.
What Happened to the Von Erichs?
The Von Erichs, a prominent wrestling family, experienced a series of tragic events that marked their history. It all began with the accidental death of their youngest son, Jack Barton Jr., who was just seven years old when he electrocuted himself and drowned. Five of the six Von Erich sons followed in their father's footsteps to become wrestlers, but their journey was marred by heartbreak.
David Von Erich died at 25 from enteritis, an intestinal infection. Mike Von Erich passed away at 23 due to a drug overdose. Chris Von Erich took his own life at 21, and Kevin Von Erich, at 33, also died by suicide. Kerry Von Erich survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident but had his right leg amputated and continued wrestling with his condition kept secret.
Among the original Von Erich family members, only Kevin Von Erich remains alive. He and his wife, Pam, have four children. His sons, Ross and Marshall, have embraced wrestling, carrying on the family's legacy in the sport.
Why did They Kill Themselves?
The Von Erich family experienced an extraordinarily tragic series of events, including multiple suicides among its members. The reasons for these tragic acts are complex and often interconnected. Depression, the immense pressure to succeed in professional wrestling, and the burden of living up to the family's legacy were significant contributing factors.
The family endured the untimely deaths of several siblings and coped with severe physical injuries, such as Kerry Von Erich's leg amputation. These challenges took a toll on their mental well-being. Kevin Von Erich himself spoke about struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts but never acted on them.
The Von Erich Family Tragedy
The Von Erich family is a storied wrestling dynasty known for their achievements in the ring and the heart-wrenching tragedies they endured. Their story is a mix of wrestling glory and personal sorrow. Fritz Von Erich, the family's patriarch, was a successful heel wrestler with his signature "Iron Claw" finisher. He also served as a promoter, contributing to their legacy.
However, the family faced immense personal setbacks. Their history includes the accidental death of Jack Jr., electrocuted at just 7 years old. David, one of the most promising talents, tragically died of acute enteritis. Mike suffered severe health issues and died by overdose.
Chris, although unable to compete, was deeply affected and took his own life. Kerry, a potential wrestling superstar, struggled with drugs and eventually committed suicide. Kevin, the lone surviving original brother, has carried on the family name and inducted them into the WWE Hall of Fame. The Von Erichs' legacy is a mixture of wrestling excellence and profound tragedy, making them one of the most iconic wrestling families.
Von Erich's Dark Side of The Ring
The Von Erichs' story is a poignant episode of "Dark Side of the Ring," a documentary series exploring the darker aspects of professional wrestling. The episode delves into the legacy of the Von Erich family, highlighting their wrestling successes and the profound tragedies they endured. It underscores how they were not just another wrestling family but a real-life embodiment of triumph and despair.
The show chronicles Fritz Von Erich's wrestling career and his subsequent role as a promoter, helping his sons reach great heights in the wrestling world. However, the family faced a series of heart-wrenching events, including the accidental death of their youngest son, Jack Jr., and the untimely deaths of several siblings due to health issues and personal struggles.
The episode delves into their battles with depression and the pressure to live up to their family's wrestling legacy, leading to some members taking their own lives. "Dark Side of the Ring" portrays the complex and tragic journey of the Von Erich family, offering a deep insight into their wrestling achievements and the immense personal challenges they faced.
The Von Erichs Story
The Von Erichs' story is a poignant narrative of a legendary wrestling family marked by extraordinary success and profound tragedy. Led by their father Fritz Von Erich, the family achieved great prominence in the 1980s professional wrestling world. However, their triumphs were overshadowed by an alarming number of personal calamities, leading to rumors of a curse.
The family's history includes Jack Jr.'s accidental death in a freak electrocution accident, David's mysterious death from acute enteritis, Mike's battle with toxic shock syndrome resulting in suicide, Chris's struggle with health issues culminating in suicide, and Kerry's struggles with personal demons leading to his own suicide. Kevin, the last surviving brother, carries their legacy.
The Von Erichs' story is a testament to the profound complexities within the wrestling world and serves as a reminder of the remarkable achievements and heart-wrenching tragedies that have shaped their family's legacy.
Von Erich Family
The Von Erich family, hailing from Texas, is a well-known wrestling dynasty with the surname Adkisson, but they adopted the stage name "Von Erich" in honor of their patriarch, Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson). Fritz initially used this Germanic name for his wrestling persona, playing a Nazi heel character.
Tragedy profoundly marked the family. When Fritz passed away from cancer in 1997 at 68, he had already outlived five of his six sons. The heartbreaking chain of events began when Jack Jr. died at age 6, accidentally electrocuted and drowned in 1959. David succumbed to enteritis in a Tokyo hotel in 1984 at 25. The family was further devastated by the suicides of Mike (1987), Chris (1991), and Kerry (1993).
These tragedies have fueled the myth of a "Von Erich curse," linked to the family's wrestling legacy. Its origins and purpose remain uncertain, often serving as a cautionary tale about the wrestling world's perils, sibling rivalry, and parental influence. Kevin Von Erich, the sole surviving son, continues the family's wrestling tradition, with his sons Marshall and Ross and Kerry's daughter Lacey also entering the ring.
Who are the Von Erich Brothers:FAQs
The Von Erich family is a renowned American professional wrestling dynasty, originally from Texas, known for its wrestling legacy.
They adopted the name "Von Erich" as part of wrestling personas, with the family patriarch, Fritz Von Erich, using it first.
Five of Fritz Von Erich's six sons tragically died. Jack Jr. was electrocuted and drowned, David died from enteritis, while Mike, Chris, and Kerry died by suicide.
Kevin Von Erich is the last surviving son and continues the family's wrestling legacy.
Yes, Kevin's sons, Marshall and Ross, as well as Kerry's daughter, Lacey, have pursued wrestling careers.