WWE: Former Referees Dave Hebner, Tim White Pass Away in Sad Week for Wrestling Fans

The world of pro-wrestling is saddened by the passing of two prominent figures in the industry over the weekend-- Dave Hebner and Tim White, who both served as referees for the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

WWE confirmed the passing of Hebner (73) on Saturday, while White (68) was announced to have passed on Sunday, per The Sportster.

According to The Sun, both men died due to health conditions. The news outlet also stated that Hebner had Parkinson's disease.

Wrestling Icons Pay Tribute

Wrestling personalities expressed grief on the passing of both personalities, who played significant roles as ring officials for many years.

Shawn Michaels tweeted: "Saddened to hear about both Dave Hebner and Tim White."

"Both incredible men I was privileged to spend time with in and out of the ring. My thoughts are with their families," the multiple-time WWE champion added.

Legendary announcer Jim Ross expressed his shock at the sad news on social media. "Can't believe we've lost both Dave Hebner and now the equally talented Tim White.Two outstanding humans who were committed to pro wrestling," he tweeted.

"Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley commented on Tim White's death: "I'm very sorry to learn of Tim White's passing. He was the referee for so many of my big matches and more importantly, was one of the nicest and most well-liked members of the @WWE family."

Matt Hardy, who is currently wrestling for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), remembered: "Timmy" as "a huge supporter" of The Hardys, his tag team with his brother Jeff.

"He was the kindest, most fair man you could ever meet. My thoughts go out to his family & loved ones - Rest in power, my friend," Hardy tweeted.

In a statement, WWE said about the passing of White: "WWE is saddened to learn that long-time referee Tim White has passed away. WWE extends our condolences to White's family, friends and fans."

Looking Back at Their Illustrious Careers

Tim began his professional wrestling career as André the Giant's assistant in the 1980s, and he soon joined the WWE full-time. During the Attitude Era, he was also the bar owner in some of the APA's most famous bar brawl sequences.

For those acquainted with Dave Hebner, he originally gained notoriety in WWE when he co-starred with his brother Earl as the twin official in a prime-time Saturday Night's Main Event special in which Ted DiBiase and Andre the Giant cheated Hulk Hogan of his WWE Championship.

He also refereed the WrestleMania III match between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat, as well as the WrestleMania V match between Savage and Hulk Hogan. Dave was a WWE official for many years, serving with the organization in various positions until 2005.

"Hebner and his brother Earl helped author one of the most memorable moments in WWE history when Andre The Giant and Hogan met on WWE Main Event for the WWE Title in 1988. With Dave locked in a closet, Earl and 'Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase laid a trap for The Hulkster. As Dave joined Earl in the ring, he had the befuddled Hogan seeing double in disbelief," the wrestling company said on Dave Hebner's death as reported by Fox 9.

On Twitter, WWE EVP, Global Talent Strategy & Development Triple H, expressed his thoughts on the passing of the long-time referee.

"I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Hebner. My thoughts are with Earl and the entire Hebner family at this time."

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Wwe