Former WWE wrestler James “Kamala” Harris has died at age 70.
Harris, who performed in the ring as Kamala, made his WWF debut in 1984, according to WWE’s website.
In a career that spanned more than two decades, Harris battled many of wrestling’s superstars, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant.
WWE confirmed his death on their official web page.
The WWE statement did not say the cause of death, it said:
“WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.
“Under the frightening face paint of Kamala, the 6-foot-7, 380-pound Harris battled the greatest Superstars in sports-entertainment history, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant.
“He terrorized opponents and thrilled audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006.
“WWE extends its condolences to Harris’ family, friends and fans.”
But according to a Facebook post by Kenny Casanova, the writer who co-authored Harris’s autobiography, the wrestler died of the coronavirus.
“Just got off the phone.
“Unfortunately, the rumors were correct. To make matters worse, it was Corona that took him; he was one of the good ones.
“Kamala was one of the most believable monsters in wrestling.
“He played the role perfectly, but was also one of the nicest guys you could meet.
“In helping him get his book out there, we became pretty close over the years and I am happy to have been his friend…”
