By Colleen Jenkins
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla | Fri May 20, 2011 2:45pm EDT
(Reuters) – Professional Wrestling great “Macho Man” Randy Savage died after a car crash on Friday near his home in Seminole, Florida, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Savage, whose real name was Randy Mario Poffo, appeared to have lost control of his 2009 Jeep Wrangler for unknown reasons at 9:25 a.m. local time, crash investigators said.
He drove over a concrete median into oncoming traffic lanes before crashing head-on into a tree, a crash report said.
He died of his injuries at a nearby hospital. He was 58.
The crash was not alcohol-related, officials said. The cause of death will not be confirmed until an autopsy is performed, investigators said.
Savage and his wife, Barbara L. Poffo, who was a passenger in the car, were both wearing seat belts. Barbara Poffo, 56, was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Under contract with the WWE from 1985 to 1993, Savage was known for both his colorful style and success in the ring.
He clinched two WWE championships, two world heavyweight championships and held a 14-month reign as intercontinental champion, according to a biography on the WWE website.
His entrance music was “Pomp and Circumstance.”
“WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest superstars of his time,” read a statement posted on the WWE site on Friday. “Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
(Additional Reporting by Steve Gorman; Editing by Greg McCune)