WWE has commented on the passing of long-time referee Dave Hebner.
On June 17, it was learned that former WWE referee Dave Hebner has passed away at the age of 73.
Hebner was best known as a WWE referee but he was also a referee for the National Wrestling Alliance and an agent with WWE for many years. In recent years, Dave had many health issues, namely Parkison's Disease, and his passing was confirmed by Slam Wrestling and his nephew, Brian Hebner.
WWE issued the following statement upon hearing the news:
WWE is saddened to learn that long-time referee David Hebner has passed away.
Throughout a storied career, Hebner found himself at the center of some of WWE’s most iconic moments. Hebner officiated the classic showdown between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III, and the clash between Savage and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania V.
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.
Following the conclusion of his impressive officiating career, Hebner would work for WWE in a backstage capacity until 2005.
WWE extends its condolences to Hebner’s family, friends and fans.
On behalf of Fightful, we'd like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Dave Hebner.
