Virgil, a former WWE wrestling star, has died at the age of 61

Former WWE star Michael Jones, known by the wrestling name Virgil, has died at the age of 61, according to his verified Instagram account.

“This is to confirm the sad news of the passing of our beloved superstar and wrestler Virgil/Michael Jones.” Read the Instagram post. “There's a lot to say here, and we'd love to share stories, but right now, it's a tough day as our friend is gone.”

“We ask only that at this time we remember him as the man he was,” the post continued. “Wishing him all the unlimited pasta in heaven. We love you, Mike.”

Wrestling referee and friend Mark Charles III first announced the news on Facebook on Wednesday.

“It is with great sadness that I bring news from the Jones family of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we know and love as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones and more.” Charles wrote. “Virgil passed away peacefully in hospital this morning and I ask that you please pray for him and his family. May his memory be eternal!”

The wrestling world praised it on social media.

“I'm shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil. Rest in peace, my friend,” the WWE Hall of Famer said Jake Roberts wrote on Instagram.

“Rest in peace Virgil, thanks for being a great sport during our shenanigans and for the memories. See you on the road dear brother,” the former WWE star Luke Gallows said on X.

Jones began working for WWE as a bodyguard for “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase in the late 1980s. He turned on his former boss in the 1990s by defeating DiBiase for the Million Dollar Championship. The rebellion “instantly made Virgil one of WWE's most popular stars,” according to the WWE website. Jones' WWE Biography.

Jones' cause of death has not been announced, but the wrestler had been dealing with health issues in recent years. In April 2022, Jones shared on X He had two strokes and was diagnosed with early stage dementia.