The Story of This Tribute

May 23, 1999

On this date, at approximately 9:55 pm EST, Jim Ross anounced Owen's untimely death to a stunned PPV audience. The crowd in Kansas was not notified of Hart's death, nor were some of the wrestlers backstage. He was set to wrestle the Godfather for the intercontinental title an hour earlier, disguised once again as the Blue Blazer. He proclaimed himself to be the WWF's next superhero, and was supposed to make a heroic entrance into the ring that night. Instead, he fell towards the ring from about 50 feet in the air (although some witnesses say he fell from possibly twice that distance). He suffered a compound fracture in his arm when it hit a lighting rod in the way, and then his chin and neck smacked into a turnbuckle. He had broken his neck. Paramedics had given CPR and emergency treatment at ringside in an attempt to save his life. The damage was too great, though; Owen died before the ambulance could reach Truman Medical Center. At this time, investigators believe that the cable was not properly fastened to the harness, and as a result could not support him.

The looks on the faces of Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler alerted everyone to the tragedy before Ross even opened his mouth. Over the Edge, Owen's possible triumph, was the site of his demise. I cried for him, and do so as I write this. I cry for the entire Hart family, who have to bury their "baby," their youngest child. His wife must now raise two young children who will grow up fatherless. All I, or anyone for that matter, could think about was the senselessness of the tragedy, and how much the world lost. He was often said to be a quiet, well-mannered young man. He loved his wife and children with all his heart. He was close to his family and a rock to his friends. He was intelligent with a great sense of humor. He wanted to be fireman, a teacher, or a coach when he was done with the squared circle.

My own sorrow was overwhelming, and I can't begin to comprehend the pain his family and friends must be feeling. There grief must be paralyzing, and we can only pray for them. I can only erect this site as a tribute to Owen Hart, a great and unique human being, to lend some comfort to those who loved him. Perhaps they will find strength in the fact that the fans share their pain, and are solidly behind them. We miss Owen dearly, and remember him as he wows them all in heaven.