Dean Higuchi, known to wrestling fans as Dean Ho, has passed away at the age of 80.
The news was first reported by referee Kevin Jefferies, who said Higuchi passed away from “chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from his days playing football."
Jefferies posted the following message on Facebook:
Some sad news to share to all my Wrestling Family, a tough week it has been for me my friend and a amazing mentor to many.
Dean Ho (Higuchi) passed away on Feb 20 here in Kelowna BC.
Born: 1938 · Honolulu, HIDean died from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from his days playing football.
Dean Was a well loved by so many, thank you for being there for me sir. To Deans wife Rose and Family.-- God Bless.
Higuchi wrestled over 100 matches in the WWWF and is a former WWWF Tag Team Champion alongside Tony Garea.
He began his career in 1962 in Pacific Northwest Wrestling. He last wrestled in 1983 for Vancouver All-Star Wrestling. He competed in multiple territories in the National Wrestling Alliance throughout his career.
Fightful would like to extend its condolences to family, friends, and fans of Dean 'Ho' Higuchi.
