Wrestling Legend Killer Karl Kox Passes Away

The official website of the Cauliflower Alley Club states Killer Karl Kox, a headliner in the 1960s and 1970s, died Thursday at the age of 80.

Kox, whose real name is Herb Gerwig, suffered a fatal heart attack Thursday morning while hospitalized. He had been hospitalized due to a massive heart attack he suffered on October 20, 2011.

The National Wrestling Association issued a statement regarding his passing: "The Cauliflower Alley Club is reporting the death earlier today of Killer Karl Kox. Kox wrestled all over the world and was a huge star in Australia, feuding with the likes of Spiros Arion, Mark Lewin, and others. Stateside, he held many titles, including the NWA National, Central States, Florida, and Georgia championships. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Jim Ross commented on the legendary grappler's death on Twitter.

"Killer Karl Kox, who died today at 80, was an awesome wrestler. His matches vs Dick Murdoch were text book classics. Blessed to see Karl at Cauliflower Alley Club," he wrote.

SLAM! Wrestling has published a story chronicling Kox's legendary career.