Jimmy Rave, former Pro wrestler has died at the age of 39, His wrestling agent Bill Behrens and Pro wrestling and MIA confirm on Monday.
Jimmy Rave, former Impact Wrestling star, has died six months after having both of his legs amputated due to a MRSA infection. He was 39.
“James was one of my kids and his loss hurts me and many others, and we wish we could have saved him, but we could not,” wrestling agent Bill Behrens.
Behrens shared a statement regarding Rave’s death on Twitter on Monday, adding that Rave’s daughter, Kailah, had helped him write it.
“James Michael Guffey has died at the age of 39,” the statement began. “James was best known as Professional Wrestler Jimmy Rave. His career started in 1999, continued for over 2 decades.
He was a two-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. He appeared in Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling, where he teamed with Lance (Hoyt) Rock as the ‘Rock and Rave Infection.’ “
Behrens Twitter statement went on to describe Rave’s long-running career in the wrestling world, adding he “toured Japan with both Dragon Gate Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling where in 2008 he competed in the ‘Best of the Super Junior’ Tournament,” and appeared in “numerous independent promotions including Rampage Pro Wrestling, Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment, and Combat Zone Wrestling, among many others.”
“Outside of wrestling, he held the position of Director of the Bartow County, Georgia Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center for several years. James had been struggling with drug addiction for many years. His struggles resulted in the amputation of his arm and, later, both of his legs,” the statement continued.
“James is survived by his ex-wife Felicia, daughter Kailah, son James II, and his parents Jim & Toni Guffey. At the time of his death, he was living in Philadelphia, PA area with Gabby Gilbert,” the statement concluded, adding that Rave’s memorial services will be held in Georgia.
In November 2020, Rave revealed on Twitter that he was retiring from wrestling after doctors found an infection in his left arm, which resulted in his arm being amputated above the elbow.
“To my brothers & sisters who I have shared a ring with or a locker room; thank you for always pushing me to do better.
Thank You to all of my mentors and my students who allow me to still feel needed,” the former pro wrestler wrote. “This was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to type. … Please take your health much more seriously than I did.”