It is with deep sadness we report that Vader (Leon White) has passed away at the age of 63. The news was announced by his Son on his official Twitter account. 

Vader became a household name during the early 90s competing in WCW as a monster heel. He was a former three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and one-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion.

He also had a successful career in Japan capturing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship three times and also competed for WWE during the late 90s feuding with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Kane, and Goldust.

In recent years, he has been battling with poor health related to his heart. In recent weeks Vader had been battling pneumonia but his heart sadly could take no more and he died on Monday evening.

It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm. pic.twitter.com/dP4CNaMuXa

, Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) 20 June 2018

Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time. pic.twitter.com/hJYjumvxjH

, Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) 20 June 2018