Sad news for the independent wrestling community: Midwest-based referee Devin Anderson has passed away.
The news was shared by several Midwest-baseed independent wrestling promotions, including Dreamwave Wrestling, AAW, 2econd Wrestling, and Windy City Slam.
While he was commended for his work as a referee, Anderson was also praised by his peers as a great person.
The AAW Family is saddened to hear of the passing of one of our own, Referee Dev Anderson.
— AAW Wrestling (@AAWPro) April 20, 2025
He was an incredibly talented referee but above all he was an amazing friend to everyone.
We love & miss you Dev, our condolences to his family during this difficult time. Memory eternal. pic.twitter.com/mDJgqjYN1D
.@WindyCitySlam is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of local referee Devin Anderson. Ref Dev was a presence at many local promotions and was one of the nicest people in the wrestling business. Condolences to the family and friends of Ref Dev.#indiewrestling #RIPRefDev pic.twitter.com/yiQlLZ5tks
— Windy City Slam (@WindyCitySlam) April 20, 2025
We were just made aware of Ref Dev Anderson's passing. We were fortunate to have Dev on one show and he was a great addition to our team.
— 2econd Wrestling (@2econdWrestling) April 21, 2025
Our condolences and love go out to his friends and family. May his memory be for a blessing. Hug your loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Fdevudptsa
RIP Ref Dev Anderson…
— Chico Suave ---- (@AyeChicoSuave) April 20, 2025
Another zebra in the sky! pic.twitter.com/9SsCoGFJy3
Heartbreaking news -- RIP https://t.co/u9xnkzPDPr
— Shazza McKenzie / シャザ マッケンジー (@Shazza_McKenzie) April 20, 2025
Such sad news. He was always a good guy. RIP https://t.co/FZfPcslPvt
— Mean Green Smokerlund (@thealexstorm) April 20, 2025
I’m so stunned. I was wondering to myself if I was going to see him soon at Iron Spirit or somewhere.
— Sean Galway (@sean_galway1) April 20, 2025
Last year, he reffed my match where I broke my leg and he was so instrumental in alerting everyone around that I needed help. https://t.co/v2ouPjNLQw
This one is close to home. I got to work with Dev a lot at @IronSpiritPro and always enjoyed the jokes we’d share.
— Trevor Outlaw (@thetrevoroutlaw) April 20, 2025
Rest in peace Dev. https://t.co/QI9UU7VcTD
He was one of the best. I cant tell you how many matches I got to work with him in. RIP Devin Anderson. https://t.co/nLPTEOMxMb
— Warhorse (@JPWARHORSE) April 20, 2025
Dreamwave Wrestling and Uprising: Women Athletes join the independent wrestling community in mourning the passing of Devin Anderson, professionally known as Ref Dev. Gone far too soon
— Dreamwave Wrestling (@DWWrestling) April 20, 2025
Our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and fellow colleagues. May he rest in… pic.twitter.com/IYdP1wGoMU
Fightful sends its condolences to Anderson's family, friends, and fans.
